Panthers Reportedly Suitors for Former No. 2 Overall Pick in Free Agency
By Joe Summers
The Panthers are reportedly attempting to sign former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young to bolster the defensive line after a series of moves that ultimately depleted the defense.
Carolina has been active in bolstering the offensive line around franchise QB Bryce Young, though now there's a different highly-drafted player with the same surname that the franchise is after.
If the organization can land Chase Young, it'll have a potential foundational cornerstone to build the rest of the defense around.
Panthers Rumors: Carolina Linked to DE Chase Young
Free-agent pass rusher Chase Young is expected to visit the #Panthers and #Saints this week, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2024
A handful of teams have expressed interest in Young, the 2020 defensive rookie of the year who’s still only 24 years old. pic.twitter.com/zQpwRW7iyy
Young was one of the most highly-touted defensive prospects of the last decade, though was traded from the Commanders to the 49ers in the midst of his fourth season.
This is the perfect kind of buy-low move that the Panthers need to make. Young is only 24 years old and has two seasons with at least 7.5 sacks already. Perhaps a change of scenery is all he needed and Carolina is one of the most-equipped organizations to offer that adjustment.
The former Ohio State Buckeye had a remarkable 27 combined sacks during his junior and senior seasons, though he hasn't tapped into that potential in the NFL yet.
He'll now be expected to lead the Panthers' defensive line. With a Defensive Rookie of the Year trophy on his mantle already, Young clearly has the talent and physicality to usher in a new era of Carolina football. It'll be up to him and new head coach Dave Canales to tap into that potential, though I'm optimistic about the move.
Carolina is currently +1500 to win the NFC South at DraftKings Sportsbook, though moves like these may make the Panthers a value bet. If Kirk Cousins doesn't recover from injury well, the division is wide open. Both Youngs could lead this team to a landmark season and the Panthers' recent flurry of moves indicate they're intent on maximizing the potential of this roster.
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