Latest news with #EjiroEvero
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Panthers have talked to representatives for free-agent S Justin Simmons
The Carolina Panthers seem to be in the market for some top-end secondary help. As first reported by team beat writer Sheena Quick on Monday afternoon, the Panthers have talked to the representatives of free-agent safety Justin Simmons. Quick, however, also noted that "nothing is imminent" between the two sides. Advertisement Quick's reporting backs that of ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who recently stated that the Panthers have interest in the two-time Pro Bowler. "Simmons is interesting, because I think coming out of Atlanta, I do think he's looking for that big scheme," Fowler said on this past Thursday's episode of Kincade & Salciunas. "That's why the Eagles are on the shortlist there. It's Philadelphia, it's Carolina—has interest in Simmons. Ejiro Evero came from the Vic Fangio school. So that's where I think you should look for Simmons." Simmons, who spent eight of his nine NFL campaigns with the Denver Broncos, played under Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero in 2022. That season saw Simmons post a league-leading six interceptions along with a career-high three forced fumbles. He suited up for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, where he notched 62 combined tackles and two interceptions over 16 starts. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content. This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers reportedly talked to reps of free-agent S Justin Simmons
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panthers reporter hints at team's next possible addition
The Carolina Panthers might not be done with the reconstruction of their defense. Darin Gantt of covered the team's recent defensive overhaul in this week's "Ask The Old Guy," his regular mailbag series. And when asked about possible additions to the secondary, Gantt throws out a few interesting names and thoughts: If they're going to be out shopping for more help, the good news is there are multiple qualified guys at the spot they're thinnest at (safety). Guys including Julian Blackmon (who visited in March), known commodity Justin Simmons (who was an All-Pro in Denver for Ejiro Evero), and several more are still sitting there on the market. They spent the spring looking at young options there, but could stand to be more experienced and deeper. Advertisement As Gantt notes, Blackmon met with the Panthers earlier this offseason. The 26-year-old has spent each of his five NFL campaigns as a member of the Indianapolis Colts, amassing 300 combined tackles and 10 interceptions since 2020. Carolina, according to multiple reports, has also expressed in Simmons—who spent the 2022 season under Evero. That year saw the two-time Pro Bowler and four-time second-team All-Pro notch a league-leading six interceptions along with a career-high three forced fumbles. The team's safety room currently features free-agent signee Tre'von Moehrig, 2025 fourth-round pick Lathan Ransom, Demani Richardson, Nick Scott and a trio of undrafted rookies (Isaac Gifford, Jack Henderson and Trevian Thomas). Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content. This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers reporter hints at team's next possible addition
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panthers Eye Veteran Safety Amid Ongoing Roster Upgrades
Panthers Eye Veteran Safety Amid Ongoing Roster Upgrades originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Carolina Panthers are reportedly still exploring options to add talent to their safety unit, with free agent Justin Simmons emerging as a potential target. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently mentioned on Philadelphia's 97.5 The Fanatic, that Carolina is among the teams showing interest in the two-time Pro Bowl safety, alongside the Philadelphia Eagles. Advertisement "That's why the Eagles are on the shortlist there,' said Fowler. 'It's Philadelphia, it's Carolina, that has interest in Simmons. Ejiro Evero came from the Vic Fangio school. So that's where I think you should look for Simmons." Simmons, who spent 2024 with the Atlanta Falcons, is known for his playmaking ability, including an NFL-best six interceptions in 2022 under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, now with the Panthers. "Simmons is interesting, because I think coming out of Atlanta, I do think he's looking for that big scheme,'noted Fowler. Simmons' familiarity with Evero's Vic Fangio-influenced defensive scheme makes Carolina a logical landing spot. Though Simmons is nearing 32, he started all 16 games for Atlanta last season and posted 62 tackles and two interceptions. Despite signing Tre'von Moehrig to a three-year, $51 million deal earlier this offseason, the Panthers' safety depth remains thin. Outside Moehrig, the roster includes a mix of young and unproven talent such as Lathan Ransom, Nick Scott, and several undrafted rookies. Advertisement The Panthers have already shown interest in other veteran safeties, including Julian Blackmon and Marcus Williams. With training camp approaching, Carolina may make another move to solidify its secondary and bring veteran leadership to a young defensive group. Related: Panthers Superfan Luke Combs Makes History at Bonnaroo With Surprise Announcement Related: Carolina Panthers Rookie Jimmy Horn Jr. Shows His True Colors This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Carolina Panthers make unexpected choice following NFL rule change
The NFL gave the Carolina Panthers a green light. Then, just as quickly, it turned red. On what was supposed to be a routine day of roster management, the Panthers made a surprising and painful move—waiving outside linebacker Kenny Dyson Jr., a player who'd impressed throughout OTAs and was firmly in the team's development plans. But this wasn't a typical cut. It was the result of a late, league-driven reversal that left Carolina with no alternative. Advertisement According to The Athletic's Joe Person, the league initially informed the Panthers that placing running back Jonathon Brooks on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list would open up a roster spot—dropping the team from 90 to 89 active players. Acting on that information, Carolina moved quickly, waiving eight players on Thursday and positioning themselves for camp. Then the NFL changed its stance. '[The NFL] reversed course and said Brooks still counts against the 90-man,' a team source told Person. Suddenly at 91 players, the Panthers had to make another cut to comply. Dyson was the odd man out. It's a tough break for the 24-year-old linebacker, who joined the team last season as an undrafted free agent and had shown promise during offseason workouts. Dyson had been lauded by coaches for his speed and special teams potential, and some insiders believed he could carve out a depth role in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's scheme. Advertisement Dyson's release underscores the tightrope NFL teams walk during the offseason. One procedural misunderstanding—especially one involving a recovering player like Brooks, who is expected to miss the entire 2025 season after re-tearing his ACL in December—can shift plans overnight. Unless granted an exemption, the Panthers will now operate with just 89 players through the preseason. Dyson's departure is a reminder of the unforgiving nature of roster math in the NFL—and how even the most minor miscommunication can have major consequences. Related: Panthers' rookie unexpectedly announces he 'manifested' Carolina move Related: Jimmy Horn Jr. sends strong message to Carolina
