Category: Latest Panthers News

Panthers CB Dane Jackson talks about Dan Morgan’s influence on his career

Panthers CB Dane Jackson thanked GM Dan Morgan for the influence he’s had on his NFL career.

Dan Morgan pounded the table for Dane Jackson well before he took over atop the Carolina Panthers’ front office. And apparently, he still is.

The 27-year-old cornerback, who signed on with the Panthers last month, spoke with reporters on Wednesday. He was asked about Morgan, who played a major part in getting Jackson into the NFL.

“He’s been a great influence in my career,” he said. “I would like to thank him for a lot, just for giving me a chance. He was a big advocate, coming out for me when he was in Buffalo and just getting me on the team and believing and trusting in me. And same thing when I got here—during the process, when him and my agent were talking back and forth, it was just how much he believed in me. So I gotta tip my hat off to him and give him a lot of thanks for that.”

Morgan, now the president of football operations and general manager for Carolina, had previously served as the director of player personnel for the Buffalo Bills from 2018 to 2020. During the draft in that final season, Morgan pushed for the Bills to select Jackson—who was ultimately taken in the seventh round.

But Jackson wasn’t exactly sure why Morgan and the Bills took him at the time. He was asked if there were any pre-draft hints of the organization looking his way.

“I don’t recall any conversation,” he replied. “I didn’t really talk to Buffalo during the draft process, so I honestly had no idea I was gonna go there. But once I got there, that’s when I learned how much he was advocating for me and how much he believed in me.”

As we head into this year’s draft, Jackson is currently projected as the team’s second starter at the cornerback position.

[lawrence-related id=695378,695373,695257]

Josey Jewell: Ejiro Evero, Peter Hansen were ‘big’ in decision to sign with Panthers

Panthers LB Josey Jewell on Ejiro Evero, Peter Hansen: “They were definitely big to me coming here and playing.”

Like A’Shawn Robinson before him (literally), Josey Jewell spoke about how familiarity pulled him into the Queen City.

The 29-year-old linebacker spoke with reporters on Wednesday afternoon, his first such chat since signing with the Carolina Panthers out of free agency last month. He was asked how much the team’s coaching staff, specifically defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and linebackers coach Peter Hansen, had influenced his decision and his game.

“They were definitely big to me coming here and playing,” Jewell replied. “Really enjoyed my time with them, even though it was just a year. Just the way they coach the game and they allow you to play the game and just go out there and flow and play to its true value and just go out there and findin’ the football. So that’s what I’ve enjoyed playin’ for them. Enjoyed bein’ in a specific room with Pete and he’s just a great coach.”

Josey, Pete and Ejiro spent the 2022 campaign together in Denver. That also just so happened to be the most productive season of Jewell’s NFL career—as he amassed 128 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Jewell, who inked a three-year, $22.75 million pact, is currently projected to start alongside Shaq Thompson in the middle of Carolina’s defense.

[lawrence-related id=695311,695281,695235]

A’Shawn Robinson on why he signed with the Panthers: ‘Why not?’

Why did A’Shawn Robinson sign with the Panthers this offseason? Well, why not?

Some familiar faces helped lead A’Shawn Robinson into unfamiliar territory.

On Wednesday, the veteran defensive lineman sat down for his first press conference since signing a new three-year, $22.5 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. He confirmed that his past connections with the coaching staff, most notably defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, was a key to landing in him in the Queen City.

“I think it played a good part of that,” Robinson said. “Comfortability, knowing the scheme. Coming from it in L.A., just being used to that. Knowing the coaches, them knowing how I play and me knowing how they operate and how they want things done—I think that was very important to me. I know that they’re honest and they’re real about everything, and they want guys to be on point and honest and real about everything that goes on.”

Robinson and Evero shared a sideline in Los Angeles for two seasons, when the latter was a safeties coach and secondary coach/passing game coordinator in 2020 and 2021. The two helped the Rams capture its second Lombardi Trophy in their 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

The big man was then asked why he joined the Panthers, who were the furthest team away from that mountaintop in 2023.

“Why not?” he replied. “It’s a great scheme, a great team, great city. I love the south, comin’ from Alabama. It feels like home. But coming to this scheme, I feel like it fits me perfectly.”

[lawrence-related id=695367,695358,695226]

ESPN report suggests why Panthers passed on hiring Bill Belichick

Why didn’t the Panthers hire the greatest coach in the history of the NFL? A new report from ESPN may have provided that answer.

So, why weren’t the Carolina Panthers too interested in hiring the greatest head coach in the history of the game? A deep dive into Bill Belichick’s offseason may have just suggested why.

On Wednesday morning, ESPN published a report about the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach and his “failed” job hunt following the 2023 season. Some legwork done by Don Van Natta Jr., Seth Wickersham and Jeremy Fowler resulted in the following tidbit about the Panthers:

The Carolina Panthers briefly discussed Belichick, before he signed his two-year extension with New England a year ago. But this offseason, Carolina decided to pass, a source said. Panthers owner David Tepper often sifts through data to critique his coach’s playcalling. That, according to a source, “is tough to do with Belichick as the figurehead.” The Panthers opted for 42-year-old former Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Dave Canales.

When you have the kind of résumé that Belichick has, power often follows. That was the case with the Patriots, who also positioned him as the team’s de facto general manager over his 24-year tenure.

If Tepper is as hands-on as this reporting hints at, that influence could’ve posed a problem for the dynamic atop the organization. Following Frank Reich’s introductory press conference last January, the billionaire owner had admitted that hiring a “CEO-type” in Matt Rhule—Tepper’s very first choice—was a mistake on his part.

Instead of going down a similar route, the Panthers are rocking with first-year head coach Dave Canales.

[lawrence-related id=695016,693124,692457]

Panthers OC Brad Idzik talks about his dynamic with Dave Canales

Panthers OC Brad Idzik on his relationship with HC Dave Canales: “I think there’s a familiarity and trust with me and Dave that runs pretty deep.”

The dynamic between last year’s head coach and offensive coordinator was a relatively complicated one for the Carolina Panthers. But it really feels as though they won’t have that type of issue this time around.

New offensive coordinator Brad Idzik spoke with reporters on Tuesday afternoon. He was asked about his relationship with head coach Dave Canales, whom he’s shared a sideline with for quite some time.

“I think there’s a familiarity and trust with me and Dave that runs pretty deep,” Idzik said. “We’ve known each other for a long time, and we’ve always pinged ideas off each other. We kinda play devil’s advocate to each other—which I think, for us, keeps each other in check.

“But at the same time, we know what each other wants. When you mention philosophy, we know we wanna run the ball. We wanna start up front and play a physical game, and the rest will kinda build off that.”

The working relationship between the two began in 2019, when Idzik started his career on the NFL sidelines as an assistant wide receivers coach for the Seattle Seahawks. Canales, at the time, was in his second year as the Seahawks’ quarterbacks coach.

After four years together in Seattle, Idzik and Canales moved on to Tampa Bay in 2023—where the former was the wide receivers coach and the latter their offensive coordinator.

Despite his big new title, Idzik is not expected to call play for the offense—at least to start. Those duties will belong to Canales.

Nonetheless, this duo will likely stick to playing healthy games of devil’s advocate, and not hot potato like the previous fellas.

[lawrence-related id=695344,695341,692051]

Panthers OC Brad Idzik gives his thoughts on Bryce Young

Panthers OC Brad Idzik on Bryce Young: ‘He’s a winner, and that’s something you can’t truly quantify all the time.’

So, what does the new offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers think about his new quarterback?

Brad Idzik, who is entering his very first season at the position, spoke with reporters on Tuesday afternoon. He was asked about his thoughts on Bryce Young.

“Obviously, a winner,” Idzik replied. “He finds a way to win. His arm talent is phenomenal. He makes great, professional throws all over the field—the short, intermediate and down the field as well.

“But he’s a winner, and that’s something you can’t truly quantify all the time. We’re really excited to have him here. We’re really excited to watch him progress this offseason alongside his teammates.”

Young’s progress will be one of the main storylines of the 2024 season, especially after a rough rookie campaign. Last year’s No. 1 overall pick averaged just 179.8 passing yards per game with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, as the Panthers finished dead-last in the NFL in total offense.

So, Idzik was then asked what he’s seen from Young since beginning the offseason workout program.

“You look at the film, and he put plenty on tape to show you that this is the guy we thought he was,” he said. “But as far as who we see now, we’re in the classrooms right now. So we’re really excited to see that professionalism that he brings to the table—why he won so much throughout every step of his career. We’re excited to build on that and just watch him progress as we get the chance to hit the field with him and watch him take this team and lead it.”

[lawrence-related id=695341,695097,694063]

Panthers OC Brad Idzik on improving WR room: We’re gonna strip this thing down to the bolts

Panthers OC Brad Idzik is ready to start from square one.

New Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik doesn’t plan on picking up where the last coaching staff left off.

The 32-year-old spoke with reporters on Tuesday afternoon, his first presser since being hired to the offensive coordinator position. When asked how he plans on improving the team’s production from its wide receivers, Idzik stated that they’re starting from scratch.

“Just lookin’ at the group—from here forward, operatin’ with a blank slate,” he replied. “So we are starting from square one with every single guy and investing in ’em and his development this offseason.

“From a veteran who’s been around like Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson, all the way down to a young guy like Jonathan Mingo goin’ into his second year—we’re just letting them show us, through the things they put on tape this offseason, what is there progression looking like now currently? So we’re just excited to really just strip these things down to the bolts and build things up one day at a time.”

Fortunately, there’s almost nowhere to go but up for the group. Carolina’s wideouts struggled mightily with gaining separation through the 2023 campaign, one that saw the passing offense finish dead-last in the NFL at 161.2 yards per game.

Despite not having control of the play-calling duties just yet, Idzik may be the perfect man for that job. Prior to his career on the sidelines, the 6-foot-1, 200-pounder was a standout receiver at Mercer Island High School and played some college ball at Lehigh University and Wake Forest University between 2010 and 2012.

Idzik would then go on to coach the position, serving as the assistant wide receivers coach in Seattle for three seasons and as the wide receivers coach for Tampa Bay in 2023.

So, the Panthers’ pass catchers may be in good hands.

[lawrence-related id=694041,694106,695293]

New Panthers STC Tracy Smith praises his unit’s toughness

Panthers special teams coordinator Tracy Smith spoke about the toughness and spirit of his unit.

New Carolina Panthers special teams coordinator Tracy Smith hasn’t been around his guys long, but he already knows what he’s got to work with.

Smith, while in the fourth day of the offseason workout program, spoke with reporters earlier this afternoon. He was asked how he thinks he can build around the core group of special teamers in his first season for Carolina.

“A really tough group,” Smith said in describing the players. “Physical, fast, tough group. Met ’em throughout this week. And guys that care about the game. I’ve known Johnny Hekker on and off for years and years. Had some nightmare plays against Johnny—like 2012-ish, or ’13. JJ [Jansen]—every year that I’ve been in, he’s been in. So have some relationship with those guys, also a little bit with Eddy [Piñeiro] as well.

“But this was not an underperforming group. This is a good group of guys. Expect them to keep their level of intensity and play the same. And the spirit from all of them has been great.”

Smith was hired back on Feb. 8. He comes in with 15 years of NFL experience—with stops for the Seattle Seahawks, the Cleveland Browns, the San Francisco 49ers, the then-Oakland Raiders and the Houston Texans.

[lawrence-related id=695116,694406,693093]

Ejiro Evero talks about Panthers’ familiar free-agent signings

Panthers DC Ejiro Evero will be reunited with some familiar faces from his LA and Denver days.

Continuity is key in the NFL—and unfortunately for the Carolina Panthers, they haven’t experienced a ton of it in recent years. But some familiar faces will be in the building, even if they weren’t on the team last season.

Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who was retained through the transition into new head coach Dave Canales, spoke with reporters on Thursday afternoon. He was asked about a few of the front office’s free-agent signings, particularly the ones he has a history with.

“The first part is that those guys are all very, very good football players,” Evero said. “They’re smart, they’re tough, they’re instinctive, they play hard, they’re great teammates. So from that standpoint, they uplift their team.”

Evero will be reunited with linebacker Josey Jewell, whom he coached as the Denver Broncos defensive coordinator in 2022, as well as defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson and safeties Jordan Fuller and Nick Scott—his guys over from the Los Angeles Rams days. They’ll all look to add to the defense that allowed the fourth-fewest total yards in 2023.

And although there will be some familiarity between he and his players, that doesn’t necessarily mean their roles will be the same in Carolina.

“The defense is gonna be a little bit different than how we played it in Denver, how we played it at the LA Rams,” Evero added. “So from that standpoint, it’s gonna be a little bit of an adjustment. But havin’ those guys on our team right now is such a huge step forward for us.”

[lawrence-related id=695111,693817,695081]

Ejiro Evero speaks about his return to the Panthers

Panthers DC Ejiro Evero said the decision to return to Carolina was an easy one.

Even though he didn’t land head-coaching gig for the second straight offseason, Ejiro Evero still found himself in a very desirable position.

The Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator spoke with reporters for the first time since being retained as the Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator. After issuing his opening statement to start off his presser on Thursday afternoon, Evero was asked what went into the process of his return.

“Obviously, there’s a lot that goes on that time of year,” he replied. “I’m very grateful and thankful for the opportunities I got interviewing for these head-coaching jobs and I don’t take those lightly and I know those things are a blessing.”

Evero ended up with multiple interviews for the vacancies in Atlanta and Seattle. He also drew interest from the Jacksonville Jaguars for their defensive coordinator job, a prospect that was reportedly shot down by Carolina.

He continued.

“Comin’ back here—I’m very fortunate that Dave [Canales] and Dan [Morgan] and Mr. Tepper gave me this opportunity to come back here,” Evero added. “Again. like, these positions are so highly coveted, and it’s an honor to be an NFL defensive coordinator—especially here, in this community. My family loves living here. We’re really finally settled in and enjoyin’ it. The organization has been fantastic. The players here—I really, really, really love the players that we have here and just workin’ with them on a daily basis. So from that standpoint, that decision was very easy.”

Although Evero did a relatively fine job for the organization in 2023, as he turned a decimated defense into the league’s fourth-stingiest unit, his return was no sure thing. The team could’ve opted to completely overhaul their staff in their transition to head coach Dave Canales.

Alas, Evero and his entire branch of assistants were always a part of Canales’ plan in Carolina—and both sides feel lucky to have one another for 2024.

[lawrence-related id=690650,695097,695089]