The Carolina Panthers made several key moves this offseason to bolster their defense, with some attracting more attention than others. However, one underrated addition is starting to generate buzz at just the right time.
According to one NFL analyst, this particular move could have a major impact on reshaping Carolina’s defense moving forward.
General manager Dan Morgan was likely frustrated after watching Ejiro Evero’s unit surrender over 3,000 rushing yards during the 2024 season—a performance that fell well short of the franchise’s traditionally physical identity, rooted in Morgan’s own days as a player. Determined to change course, Morgan responded decisively this offseason.
He made strengthening the defensive line a top priority. The Panthers brought in Tershawn Wharton from the Kansas City Chiefs and signed nose tackle Bobby Brown III, signaling their commitment to reestablishing toughness in the trenches and restoring pride to their defensive front.
The Panthers’ decision to finally bring in a true nose tackle under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is a major step forward. CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles shares this sentiment, suggesting that newly signed Bobby Brown III could make a significant impact lining up next to Pro Bowler Derrick Brown.
“Last season, the Panthers gave up more rushing yards than any team since the 1980 Saints,” Pereles noted. “So they added \[Bobby] Brown, a massive 6-foot-4, 332-pound defensive tackle, to help plug the middle alongside standout Derrick Brown. Carolina’s interior line can’t get much worse—but the ‘Brown brothers’ could play a major role in turning that around.”
Still only scratching the surface of his potential, Bobby Brown brings valuable experience with Evero’s defensive system from their time together with the Rams. With scheme familiarity and solid support around him on Carolina’s 3-4 front, he’s well-positioned for success. His powerful frame allows him to hold his ground against double teams, clog rushing lanes, and collapse the pocket when needed—traits the Panthers sorely lacked from former starter Shy Tuttle.
Brown could be just what Carolina needs to stabilize the middle of the line. General manager Dan Morgan and Evero are confident in his ability, and early signs in camp suggest he’s embracing the challenge and arriving in peak condition. If he continues to trend upward through the preseason, Brown might just become a long-term solution at a position that has been a weakness for too long.