Panthers reportedly planning to sign former 1st-round pass rusher

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Panthers are set to add former first-round pick Charles Harris.

The Carolina Panthers may be set to add some veteran presence off the edge.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Panthers are planning to sign free-agent defensive end Charles Harris. The 29-year-old, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, worked out for the team in late August.

A two-time Second-team All-SEC selection at the University of Missouri, Harris was selected with the 22nd overall pick of the 2017 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins. He spent three seasons there, recording 3.5 sacks over 41 games.

Harris has also gone on to play for the Atlanta Falcons (2020) and, most recently, the Detroit Lions (2021 to 2023). Over his seven-year NFL career, he’s amassed 171 combined tackles, 16.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

With outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum beginning the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, the Panthers have been on the hunt for pass-rushing help to put alongside 11th-year veteran Jadeveon Clowney. Other than Clowney, the active roster currently features just three more edge rushers—DJ Johnson, Eku Leota and Jamie Sheriff.

Carolina is also dealing with a possible season-ending injury to Pro Bowler defensive lineman Derrick Brown, who tore his meniscus in Sunday’s regular-season opener against the New Orleans Saints.

[lawrence-related id=703113,703099,703084]