The Carolina Panthers finished 2022 strong after a disastrous start. Head coach Matt Rhule was fired after Week 5 and was replaced on an interim basis by Steve Wilks. The Panthers went 6-6 the rest of the way, falling just short of winning the NFC South divisional title.
With Frank Reich now taking over the head coaching position, there is optimism that he can help turn the offense around. Finding a quarterback was the biggest obstacle that Rhule faced as the team cycled through numerous options, never landing on a long-term one.
Until they find that franchise quarterback, it could be tough sailing. But, Reich has shown that he can succeed even with uncertainty at the most important position in the NFL as he has a winning record as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts despite having a different starter in Week 1 every year of his tenure.
If Carolina wants to remain competitive until they hash out their need at quarterback, continuing to build up the defense is a smart strategy. Adding to the pass rush alongside Brian Burns would be a good step in the right direction.
Over at ESPN, that is exactly what they expect the Panthers to do. The perfect fit for Carolina in free agency this year is defensive end, Dawuane Smoot. Smoot has spent the first six seasons of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars and is ready for a change of scenery.
Despite being a part-time player for Jacksonville, playing 44 percent of the snaps, Smoot recorded five sacks on the season. It was the fourth consecutive season he recorded at least that many as he finds a lot of success getting after the quarterback despite limited playing time.
In 2021, he led the Jaguars with 29 hurries and in 2022 he tied for third on the team with 21. Last season, Smoot ranked 28th in Pass Rush Win Rate at 16.1 percent. That is better than some very highly regarded pass rushers such as DeMarcus Lawrence, Montez Sweat and Alex Highsmith.
Still only 28 years old, Smoot has plenty of productive seasons ahead of him. The Panthers could get him for an affordable price and really bolster their pass-rushing group alongside Burns. A player that productive should generate more interest on the open market, but for the most part, Smooth is flying under the radar, making for an ideal Panthers target.
