Panthers Free Agent Bust Shouldn't Play Again This Season After Week 10 Benching

The Panthers have to start preparing for another rebuild, identifying both players who will be part of next year's team and ones who should be cast aside. After a surprise Week 10 benching, it looks like DE Charles Harris fits into the latter category.

Harris signed with Carolina in the offseason on a one-year deal and leads the team in sacks (3.0), yet he grades as one of the NFL's worst rushers on Pro Football Focus. Since he's not under contract next year and D.J. Wonnum just returned from injured reserve, there's no reason for Harris to play again this year.

Head coach Dave Canales made Harris a healthy scratch in Week 10, indicating there are internal issues as well. At this point, the Panthers are better served getting film on younger, less established players.

Panthers DE Charles Harris Shouldn't Play Again After Week 10 Benching

This is a team with few bright spots. The roster is a mess, ownership impatient, and fans tired. Harris has been productive throughout his career but turns 30 years old in March. He won't be around for the next successful Carolina season, making it logical to leave him on the bench for the rest of 2024.

So far this year, Harris has 20 tackles and six QB hits along with his three sacks. The Panthers have one of the league's worst defenses and while Harris has relatively played well, he hasn't made the impact Carolina hoped he would.

Accumulating draft picks and young, cheap talent needs to be GM Dan Morgan's priority. Canales hasn't been given a fair shake in his first season but has an opportunity start laying the foundation for future success.

The decision to bench Harris was a surprising one. Looking at the season as a whole though, it was the right one.

With the Panthers getting set to battle the undefeated Chiefs after this week's bye, don't be surprised if Harris remains planted on the sidelines.

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