The Carolina Panthers’ already thin linebacker corps became much weaker after they released LB Josey Jewell due to concussion symptoms. The symptoms stem from a concussion suffered in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals. Jewell and the team wanted to prioritize his health and to give other players on the roster the chance to take snaps during training camp. The Panthers noted a possibility for Jewell to return if his recovery goes well, but there is no timeline for his recovery.
Jewell was one of the Panthers’ big-ticket free agents on the defensive side of the ball during the 2024 offseason. He signed a three-year, $18.75 million contract that included a $10 million guarantee. Jewell led Panthers linebackers with 797 snaps last season, even after missing five games, providing stability at a position the team has struggled to solidify.
The Panthers must pivot quickly to address a crucial position on defense. Jewell was the “Mike” linebacker for Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero. Also known as the “quarterback of the defense”, the Mike linebacker receives play-calls directly from the defensive coordinator. They make adjustments on the fly for other defenders on the field.
Panther Head Coach Dave Canales spoke during a press conference on what it means for himself and the locker room to lose a player like Jewell.
“And I think for me—as a first-year head coach last year—to have somebody that I could point to who really exemplifies the type of the effort, the type of physicality, the character,” said Canales. “So it’s a big loss, definitely for us from that standpoint.”
Free Agency Could be the Answer for the Panthers
Beyond Jewell, the top options available to replace him are former third-round pick Trevin Wallace and newly signed free-agent Christian Rozeboom. Wallace is only in his second year and has a lot to prove, particularly in run defense, where he is graded very poorly by PFF. Rozeboom, on the other hand, is a veteran player with limited starting experience and middling career production.
The mix of undrafted free agents and late-round picks behind Rozeboom and Wallace won’t inspire a lot of confidence. While the team has emphasized the youth they have in the position group, bringing in another veteran would be a smart move.
The best free agent currently available is former Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys starter Eric Kendricks. A 10-year veteran, Kendricks has started 142 of 147 career games and was a bright spot in last year’s Cowboys defense.
Kendricks can play against the run and the pass, and he has experience playing Mike linebacker. Kendricks can also play a mentorship role in a locker room full of young players. Making this signing could be the boost the Panthers’ defense needs to remain competitive in 2025.
Defensive Scheme Could Alleviate Stress at Linebacker
While the loss of Jewell is a blow to the Panthers’ defense, all is not lost, even if the team decides not to bring in a free agent addition. The Panthers’ defense is known for its complex scheme, and that can lighten the load on the linebacker corps.
GM Dan Morgan noted how excited he was to keep Evero as defensive coordinator last offseason when he arrived in Carolina. A big reason for that was the complexity and communication of Evero’s scheme
“We do a lot of different disguises. We run a lot of different coverages and do a lot of post-snap eye candy,” said Morgan.
The usage of block-eating defensive linemen is also cited as a reason for hope on defense. 99.9 FM The Fan host Tim Donnelly noted fans don’t need to freak out because of this release.
“Those guys are gigantic, strong humans that can eat blocks, anchor in quite well and allow the linebackers to have free roam,” said Donnelly.
Perhaps young players like Trevin Wallace can step up in Jewell’s absence, but for now, the Panthers will have to keep all options on the table to improve this defense.
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