The Carolina Panthers have been linked to one of the top defensive players on the open market.
The Carolina Panthers absolutely need to improve their defense this offseason, specifically when it comes to the pass rush.
The Panthers amassed a grand total of 30 sacks in 2025, which ranked toward the bottom of the NFL for the second straight year.
Carolina is expected to land a pass rusher in the NFL Draft, but it could also make a big push for one in free agency.
In fact, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has linked the Panthers to edge rusher Odafe Oweh, who is coming off of a very impressive campaign between the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers.
"Carolina is lurking in several markets, likely seeking pass-rush and linebacker help," Fowler wrote. "Players such as edge rusher Odafe Oweh and linebacker Devin Lloyd are considered good fits for the Panthers' defensive scheme."
Oweh would definitely comprise a fantastic get for Carolina, which attempted to address its ailing front seven last spring and failed.
Odafe Oweh. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images.This past year, Oweh racked up 38 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 18 quarterback hits, with just about all of his damage coming with the Chargers after being traded to the club from the Ravens back in October.
It should also be noted that Oweh rattled off 39 tackles, 10 sacks and 23 quarterback hits with Baltimore in 2024.
The 27-year-old was originally selected by the Ravens with the 31st overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft and had a few solid but unspectacular seasons to begin his career, accumulating 11 sacks between 2021 and 2023.
It wasn't until Oweh's fourth season that he broke out, and now, he is viewed as one of the top defenders on the market.
Of course, the problem for the Panthers will be the money, as Oweh is being projected to bag a lucrative long-term contract in free agency.
Carolina has just $9 million in cap space entering free agency on Monday, so it does not exactly have a whole lot of wiggle room. The Panthers can free up some more money with roster cuts and contract restructures, but it might still be difficult for them to pay Oweh what he is worth.
We'll see if Carolina makes a strong push for the Penn State product this week.