The Carolina Panthers made it a top offseason priority to bolster their talent and depth on the defensive side of the ball. After re-signing Jaycee Horn to a mammoth contract extension, GM Dan Morgan made a big splash in free agency, signing Tre'Von Moehrig, Tershawn Wharton, Patrick Jones II, and Bobby Brown III to lucrative deals. The contract Wharton got was particularly eyebrow-raising.
The 26-year-old defensive lineman signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the Panthers in the first week of free agency. This was considered to be an overpay after Carolina struck out on their top free agent target, Milton Williams.
Wharton's new contract places him in the top 15 among all defensive tackles last season in terms of annual average salary. Panthers fans had some concerns, considering that he ranked as the 49th-best player in his position per Pro Football Focus.
Andy Reid, Wharton's former head coach, had nothing but positive things to say about the veteran defender, per Panthers insider Joe Person. Reid called Wharton a "worker," high praise from the famously stoic Reid.
Andy Reid had good things to say about former Chiefs DT Tershawn Wharton, who signed with Carolina thus month. Among other things, called Wharton a “worker.” pic.twitter.com/q9dQI7U18K
— Joe Person (@josephperson) March 31, 2025
Andy Reid Makes First Statement on Panthers' Signing Tershawn Wharton
Overpaying in free agency is a common practice. Struggling teams desperate to improve immediately will pay top dollar for limited options since most teams don't allow their good players to hit free agency, to begin with.
That is why Carolina's contract for Wharton may be justifiable. The Panthers had a horrendous defensive line in 2024 and felt like they had to add a proven veteran into the mix.
Last season, Wharton had 29 combined tackles, 11 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble in 17 games (10 starts). Whether the former Chief will justify that contract remains to be seen, but Andy Reid's praise is certainly a feather in the cap for the former undrafted free agent.