It is recommended that the Carolina Panthers cut their underperforming inside defensive lineman.

The Carolina Panthers are a franchise in the midst of a rebuilding phase, working to establish a new era of success under the leadership of new head coach Frank Reich and a roster that has undergone significant changes in recent seasons. The team has made substantial investments in young talent, and while there have been some signs of progress, they still have a long way to go in terms of both overall roster construction and individual player development.

One area where the Panthers have been unable to find consistent performance is along the defensive line, particularly at the inside defensive lineman position. While the team has a few talented pieces on defense, the inconsistency and underperformance at the interior of the line have been glaring weaknesses. As the Panthers continue their efforts to reshape the roster for future success, it is becoming increasingly clear that one or more underperforming defensive linemen need to be moved on from to free up resources and opportunities for more productive players.

This article will explore the rationale behind the recommendation to cut an underperforming inside defensive lineman for the Panthers, examine the factors contributing to this decision, and provide an overview of what the team can do moving forward to improve the interior of their defensive line and bolster their overall defensive performance.

The Struggles of the Panthers’ Defensive Line

The Carolina Panthers’ defense has been one of the team’s stronger units in recent years, and they have made several key acquisitions to bolster their defense. With players like Brian Burns on the edge and a solid secondary, the team has had some positive building blocks. However, the interior of the defensive line has often been an area of concern.

Defensive linemen play a pivotal role in both defending the run and pressuring the quarterback. Interior linemen are tasked with plugging running lanes, setting the tone up front, and collapsing the pocket to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. In the Panthers’ case, the interior of the line has lacked the consistency and effectiveness required to keep opposing offenses in check. The Panthers’ struggles in this area have led to a significant increase in rushing yards allowed and a general inability to consistently generate pressure up the middle, which has, in turn, hurt their overall defensive performance.

The issues at defensive tackle and defensive end are multifaceted and can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of depth, injuries, and underperforming individual players. However, there is a growing consensus that some players, particularly those on the interior of the defensive line, are simply not living up to expectations, and the team must make changes in order to improve.

The Importance of the Inside Defensive Line in Today’s NFL

In today’s NFL, the inside defensive line plays an even more critical role than ever before. With the rise of up-tempo offenses, pass-heavy schemes, and the overall evolution of offensive line play, teams need more than just traditional run-stuffers in the middle of their defensive lines. Interior defensive linemen are expected to be versatile and capable of disrupting both the passing game and the running game.

A dominant interior defensive line can change the course of a game by pressuring the quarterback up the middle, forcing hurried throws, and making it more difficult for the offense to establish any rhythm. Conversely, a lackluster interior can lead to a soft middle of the defense, making it easier for opposing offenses to run the ball between the tackles, get to the second level, and control the clock.

The Panthers’ interior defensive line has been a consistent point of weakness for several seasons. While they have a few players with the talent to contribute, the lack of sustained pressure and dominance has held the defense back from reaching its full potential. In many ways, this has put undue pressure on other areas of the defense, such as the edge rushers and secondary, to compensate for the deficiencies up front.

Identifying the Underperforming Players

In order to understand why a change is needed along the interior of the defensive line, it’s important to identify the players who are not living up to expectations. The Panthers have made several moves to improve the defensive line over the years, and some of these moves have worked out well. However, there are a few players who have yet to perform at the level required to justify their roster spots.

1. Derrick Brown – Potential Not Fully Realized:

One of the most discussed names among Panthers fans is Derrick Brown, the team’s first-round pick in 2020. The Auburn product came into the league with sky-high expectations as a physical, dominant force in the interior. Brown has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. While he has the size, strength, and athleticism to be a game-wrecker, he has not yet fully realized his potential as an interior disruptor.

Brown has often been criticized for disappearing at times during games. He’s shown the ability to be effective against the run, but his pass-rushing productivity has left a lot to be desired. For a player with his pedigree and potential, Brown’s inability to consistently impact both phases of the game has led some to question whether he’s truly living up to his draft status.

The Panthers were hoping Brown would become a force in the middle of their defensive line, but so far, he’s been a somewhat underwhelming presence. His lack of consistent production and failure to take over games has contributed to the growing consensus that the Panthers need to move on from players who aren’t pulling their weight. While Brown is still young and has time to develop, his struggles might be indicative of a larger issue with the interior defensive line as a whole.

2. Matt Ioannidis – Underwhelming Free-Agent Signing:

Another defensive tackle who has failed to make the impact the Panthers hoped for is Matt Ioannidis, who was signed as a free agent in 2023. Ioannidis was brought in to provide veteran presence and a strong interior pass rush. However, his play since joining the Panthers has been largely disappointing.

Ioannidis has struggled to generate consistent pressure in the passing game, and his ability to clog up the run lanes has been inconsistent at best. While he has had some decent moments, they have been few and far between, and the Panthers haven’t seen the level of production they anticipated when they signed him. With Ioannidis still on the roster and underperforming, his spot has become a point of concern for the team, especially considering that the Panthers could use his cap space to invest in other areas of the roster.

3. Bravvion Roy – Low Production, Limited Upside:

Bravvion Roy is another player who has struggled to make an impact on the Panthers’ defensive line. While he has been with the team for a few years, Roy has not shown enough to be considered a long-term starter. His play has been lackluster, and he has not been able to provide the kind of interior pressure or stout run defense that the Panthers need.

Roy’s ability to generate a consistent pass rush has been minimal, and he has struggled to stay on the field due to various injuries. For a player whose primary role is to contribute to the defensive line rotation, his lack of production and injuries have made him a candidate for potential release or trade.

The Need for Change

Given the underperformance of several key players along the Panthers’ defensive line, it’s clear that change is necessary. The team cannot afford to continue fielding a defensive line that fails to produce at the required level, especially when they are trying to build a competitive team. If these underperforming players are allowed to continue, they will hold back the potential of the entire defense.

Cutting ties with underperforming inside defensive linemen would allow the Panthers to invest their resources—both financially and in terms of roster spots—into players who are capable of contributing at a higher level. It also opens up opportunities for young, promising talent to step in and seize the starting roles, potentially providing a spark and new energy to the defensive line.

What’s Next for the Panthers?

If the Panthers decide to cut ties with underperforming interior defensive linemen, they will need to find replacements who can provide immediate help. Here are some options to consider moving forward:

1. Drafting or Signing a Top Defensive Tackle:

The Panthers should look to the upcoming draft to find a potential game-changer on the interior of the defensive line. There are several standout defensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft class who could help solidify the middle of the defense. Additionally, there are free-agent options that could bring in a veteran presence and plug the gap.

2. Developing Young Players:

The Panthers could also look to develop younger players already on the roster or acquire up-and-coming talent through trades or waivers. With the right coaching and development, young players could step into roles and bring an influx of energy and improvement to the defensive line.

3. Scheme Changes:

Another option for the Panthers is to adjust their defensive schemes to compensate for the weaknesses in the interior of their defensive line. While this may not be the most ideal solution, a shift toward scheming to disrupt the pass rush and limit the running game could help mitigate some of the challenges that come with underperforming players.