Former top-5 pick linked to Panthers as bargain-bin FA target
· Yahoo Sports
The Carolina Panthers scored a huge upgrade at inside linebacker this offseason, signing Devin Lloyd to a three-year, $42 million pact. A first-time Pro Bowler in 2025, Lloyd should be the most dynamic presence the defense has had at the position since Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly.
But a lot of Lloyd's good work may go to pot if the Panthers don't get serious improvement from their other starter at this spot—third-year linebacker Trevin Wallace. And based off Wallace's first two pro campaigns, we can't rule out a late addition to the room this summer.
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One potential solution to consider is signing a veteran free agent who won't cost much. Moe Moton at Bleacher Report has named Devin White to his list of bargain-bin free agents, and linked him with the Panthers as a possible destination.
Moton writes:
A former top-five pick from the 2019 draft, Devin White has clear strengths and weaknesses that can be utilized and masked, respectively. On the one hand, White is an exceptional early-down defender who can supplement the pass rush. At his best, he registered nine sacks in 2020 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In four out of his six seasons as a primary starter, the 28-year-old has logged at least 124 tackles.
Carolina fans should at least be somewhat familiar with White, who played his first five seasons in Tampa. He posseses exceptional speed and, like his fellow Devin, can make an impact as a pass rusher.
White does, however, have a glaring weakness in coverage. During his time with the Bucs, he allowed a passer rating over 100 in multiple seasons. Last year in Las Vegas, he surrendered a 94.3 rating—with three touchdowns and a 76.9-percent completion rate.
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero would have to scheme his way around that rather sizable obstacle, but it's no different than the struggles we have seen from Wallace in the same department. The contrast is that Wallace doesn't offer the upside that White does against the run or in rushing the passer.
While White has been in the NFL for eight seasons now and has appeared in 100 games, he's still only 28 years old. That's a pretty great mix of youth and experience—one that the Panthers should seriously consider if Wallace doesn't show up to training camp looking vastly improved on the field.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Former top-5 pick linked to Panthers as bargain-bin FA target