Important Panthers Free Agency Acquisition Has Major Bust Potential in 2024

The Panthers underwent significant roster changes this offseason, hoping to inspire a quick turnaround under new general manager Dan Morgan and new head coach Dave Canales.

One of Carolina's biggest tasks is replacing star pass rusher Brian Burns, who led the team with eight sacks last year. Jadeveon Clowney, K'Lavon Chassen, and DJ Wonnum are all expected to play a big role, though the coaching staff is trusting a committee approach rather than one star to pick up the slack.

However, David Kenyon of Bleacher Report believes Wonnum could be an issue, predicting the former Viking will be the Panthers' "biggest bust" this season.

DJ Wonnum Predicted To Be Panthers' 'Biggest Bust' of 2024

Wonnum enjoyed his best season yet in 2023, compiling 62 tackles and eight sacks, culminating in a nice two-year contract with the Panthers. He'll be a major part of Carolina's new-look defense, though these are the largest expectations he'll have entering a campaign.

Kenyon writes, "Twice in four seasons with Minnesota, DJ Wonnum notched eight sacks. That upside looks good, but it also happened opposite Danielle Hunter. Wonnum doesn't have that luxury in Carolina, which generated the NFL's fewest pressures in 2023 and traded Brian Burns this offseason."

If Kenyon is correct and Wonnum struggles without a star like Hunter alongside him, the Panthers' defense could take a big step backward. They ranked sixth in opponent yards per play (4.9), though now must move forward without their most impactful player.

I believe Wonnum will have a solid year, and an aging Clowney is the player I'm more concerned with. One of them needs to be good for the Panthers, or all of the offensive improvements may be for naught.

With the organization getting started with training camp, Wonnum's progress is something to closely monitor.

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