NFL free agency 2025: Eight plausible playoff targets for the Carolina Panthers

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Carolina Panthers are entering a critical stage of their rebuild, having made significant changes in recent years. New general manager Dan Morgan has focused on establishing a foundation for the future, but the team is still in a developmental phase. With Bryce Young leading the offense and a defense that has the potential to be dominant with the right pieces, the Panthers are looking to make a jump into playoff contention. To do so, they will need to address several positions of need and potentially add some key free agents during the 2025 NFL free agency period.

Free agency will offer the Panthers an opportunity to acquire immediate contributors who can make a difference on both sides of the ball. Whether through bolstering the offensive line, strengthening the defense, or adding depth in key positions, the Panthers will need to be strategic in how they approach this period. In this article, we will explore eight plausible free-agent targets for the Panthers in 2025, players who could help elevate the team and put them in a better position to make a playoff push.

1. Javon Hargrave (Defensive Tackle)

The Carolina Panthers have been consistently strong on defense, but they have struggled to generate consistent pressure from the interior defensive line. To truly take the defense to the next level, the Panthers need an interior defensive lineman who can disrupt the opposing quarterback and stop the run. Javon Hargrave, the Philadelphia Eagles’ standout defensive tackle, could be the perfect addition.

Hargrave has been a force on the Eagles’ defense for several years, consistently ranking among the top defensive tackles in terms of sacks, tackles for loss, and overall pressure. His ability to collapse the pocket and rush the passer from the interior would provide a massive boost to the Panthers’ pass rush, allowing edge rushers like Brian Burns to benefit from more one-on-one opportunities. Additionally, Hargrave is known for his run-stuffing ability, which would solidify the Panthers’ defense against the run.

Signing Hargrave would be a move that immediately upgrades the defense, turning it into one of the league’s more complete units. With his experience, leadership, and impact on both passing and rushing downs, Hargrave would be an excellent target for the Panthers in free agency.

2. Mike Gesicki (Tight End)

While Bryce Young is still a young quarterback, one way to help him adjust to the NFL and accelerate his development is to provide him with weapons over the middle of the field. One of the most consistent positions for a quarterback to rely on is the tight end, especially one who can create mismatches against defenses. Mike Gesicki, the tight end from the Miami Dolphins, would be a perfect fit for this role.

Gesicki has been known for his ability to create mismatches with his size, athleticism, and receiving skills. At 6’6″ and 247 pounds, Gesicki has the size to dominate in the red zone while also being quick enough to separate from defenders down the field. He would give Young a reliable target in the passing game and a safety valve over the middle, helping to take some of the pressure off the outside receivers. With the Panthers’ current receiving corps lacking a true standout option at tight end, Gesicki would be a welcome addition.

Signing Gesicki would also allow the Panthers to utilize more two-tight-end sets, potentially creating more diverse offensive schemes. As Young develops, having a reliable tight end like Gesicki would be a huge asset in his growth.

3. Ben Powers (Offensive Guard)

For Bryce Young to succeed, the Carolina Panthers must improve their offensive line play. While the offensive line has made strides in recent seasons, there are still significant weaknesses, especially on the interior. Ben Powers, the offensive guard from the Baltimore Ravens, would be an excellent option to help solidify the line and protect the franchise quarterback.

Powers has been one of the most consistent guards in the league over the past few years. Known for his strength, versatility, and ability to open running lanes, Powers would immediately improve the Panthers’ offensive line and provide better protection for Young in the pocket. His run-blocking ability would also help establish a more balanced offensive attack, allowing the team to be more effective in the ground game with Miles Sanders and any other future running back acquisitions.

Bringing in Powers would give the Panthers a veteran presence on the interior of the offensive line, helping to stabilize a unit that has been inconsistent at times. His experience in the run-heavy system of the Ravens would also be valuable for a Panthers offense that will look to become more physical moving forward.

4. Jamel Dean (Cornerback)

The Carolina Panthers have a solid secondary, but the cornerback position is one that could use an upgrade, especially with some of the elite passing offenses in the NFC South. Jamel Dean, the cornerback from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, would be an ideal addition to help the Panthers’ defense match up better against top-tier quarterbacks and wide receivers.

Dean has been one of the more underrated cornerbacks in the league, known for his physicality, speed, and ability to lock down receivers on the outside. At 6’1″ and 206 pounds, Dean has the size to compete with bigger receivers and the speed to keep up with fast ones. His ability to make plays on the ball, combined with his sound technique, would be a great fit in the Panthers’ defensive scheme.

With Dean opposite Jaycee Horn, the Panthers would have a formidable cornerback duo capable of shutting down some of the best passing attacks in the NFC. This signing would also provide depth at the cornerback position and allow the Panthers to focus on other areas of need.

5. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (Safety)

Another area of need for the Carolina Panthers is the safety position, especially with the potential departure of some of their current starters. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, the safety from the Philadelphia Eagles, could be an excellent addition to the back end of the defense.

Gardner-Johnson is known for his versatility, physicality, and ability to make plays on the ball. He excels in both coverage and run defense, making him a valuable asset to any defense. The Panthers could benefit greatly from his presence, as he would add another playmaking safety alongside Xavier Woods.

In addition to his on-field ability, Gardner-Johnson would bring a fiery, competitive attitude to the team. His leadership and playmaking ability would immediately improve the Panthers’ secondary, making them more capable of defending against the pass and offering better support in the run game. His fit in the Panthers’ defense would help elevate the overall unit, making it even more formidable.

6. Mike Hilton (Cornerback)

Another potential target for the Panthers’ secondary is Mike Hilton, the veteran slot cornerback from the Cincinnati Bengals. Hilton is one of the top players in the league at his position, known for his physicality, tackling ability, and his knack for making key plays in clutch moments.

Hilton would be an ideal addition to the Panthers’ secondary, where he could help shore up the slot cornerback position. His ability to play tight coverage in the middle of the field would help the Panthers against the numerous slot receivers and tight ends they face in the NFC South. Hilton also excels in blitz packages, which would add another dimension to the Panthers’ defense, particularly when trying to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

Hilton’s leadership and experience would provide valuable depth to the Panthers’ defense, and his presence would allow the team to improve their coverage schemes, making them more difficult for offenses to exploit.

7. Jonathan Jones (Cornerback)

As the Panthers look to bolster their secondary, they could also target Jonathan Jones, the cornerback from the New England Patriots. Jones has been an effective corner for the Patriots, excelling in both man and zone coverage. Known for his ability to break up passes and make plays on the ball, Jones would add another layer of playmaking ability to the Panthers’ defense.

With Jones on the roster, the Panthers would have the flexibility to use him in multiple roles, including as a slot corner or an outside corner, depending on their needs. His experience in the New England defensive system would also be valuable, as he has been coached by one of the best in Bill Belichick. Jones would provide the Panthers with a reliable and competitive cornerback, capable of taking on challenging assignments in both the short and deep passing games.

8. Dalton Schultz (Tight End)

If the Panthers miss out on Mike Gesicki, they could also turn to Dalton Schultz, the tight end from the Dallas Cowboys. Schultz has been a reliable option in the Cowboys’ offense, particularly in the red zone, where he has excelled at creating mismatches with defenders.

Schultz’s receiving ability, route-running, and consistency would make him a strong addition to the Panthers’ offense. His skill set would complement Bryce Young’s development as a young quarterback, and his ability to block would also contribute to improving the overall performance of the offensive line and the running game.

Schultz’s versatility and dependability as a pass catcher would make him an appealing target for the Panthers as they look to surround their rookie quarterback with more playmakers.