The Carolina Panthers are poised to make significant changes to their defense after a historically poor performance last season. With the team allowing more points than any other in NFL history, the linebacker position has emerged as a critical area for improvement. Although Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace have shown some promise, the lack of depth behind them has been alarming.
In the latest free agency predictions, the Panthers are expected to pursue Zack Baun, a standout linebacker currently with the Philadelphia Eagles. Baun's impressive year, culminating in a first-team All-Pro selection, makes him an attractive target for a team desperate to shore up its defensive unit. The Panthers' defensive struggles have made it clear that they require a leader at linebacker, and Baun could be the key to a turnaround.
Furthermore, the potential signing of Baun could lead to a shift in the Panthers’ defensive scheme. The current setup under Ejiro Evero is a 3-4 defense, but with Baun’s arrival, the team might consider transitioning to a 4-3 alignment, which relies on having three interior linebackers. While this could mean a change in personnel, the focus remains on bolstering the starting defense and improving the overall depth behind them. With strategic moves in free agency, the Panthers aim to revitalize their defense and avoid the pitfalls of last season.
