The Carolina Panthers didn’t experience much of a hit from the open market this spring, having lost the fewest amount of snaps to free agency. But that may not be the case next year.
Around The NFL podcast co-host Gregg Rosenthal recently ranked the top 50 free agents for 2024. Included in his list are two Carolina defenders, starting with outside linebacker Brian Burns at No. 6.
While a long-term deal between the Panthers and the two-time Pro Bowler seems likely to be reached, the latest word on the street—at least according to ESPN senior NFL insider Jeremy Fowler—is that the sides are not close at the moment. The agreement is, in part, hinging on a new pact for San Francisco 49ers defensive end and reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa—who ranks No. 1 on Rosenthal’s list.
A bit further down sits the Swiss Army knife Jeremy Chinn, who comes in at No. 31. Rosenthal writes:
The depth of quality safeties could hurt Chinn’s market value, but he’s a playmaker who can line up at safety, linebacker and nickel back.
2023 is, obviously, a big campaign for the former second-rounder. On top of it being “bag year,” Chinn has to find a groove somewhere in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s new 3-4 base.
But if the Panthers can’t find a fit for Chinn or a number for Burns, there will be plenty of suitors out there that will try next spring.
