Breaking New:Dan Morgan makes a controversial statement and it causing serious issue already

With the flurry of free agency over, it is time to take a look back at how the Carolina Panthers have helped or hurt the team ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Free agency was all about finding “playmakers,” Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said when he was first hired at the start of the offseason.

In many ways he did. However, in several ways, he still came up short. With all that being said, let’s look at some free agency grades for the Panthers.

Panthers traded away : Brian Burns to the New York Giants and a 2024 fifth-round pick (166th overall).

Panthers trade away : CB Donte Jackson and 2024 sixth-round pick (178th overall) to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Panthers receive : WR Diontae Johnson and a 2024 seventh-round pick (240th overall).

Analysis: Carolina needed a good wide receiver. That is exactly what they got in landing Johnson for Jackson in a trade. The Panthers were planning to cut Jackson if a trade partner couldn’t be found. Morgan somehow turned him into a speedy wide receiver, who has a history of being consistent when paired with competent quarterback play

The Panthers needed to protect Bryce Young. That is why they went out and paid a premium for Hunt. It hasn’t always led to wins directly. But it is clear that the Panthers are following the New Orleans Saints‘ model for success with a smaller quarterback – protect them with great offensive line play. Hunt gave up one sack and three pressures in 2023. Young must be celebrating.

The signing of Lewis shows that the Panthers are all in on building the team from the front life out. Signing Lewis doubled up on the addition of a big guard. He has allowed only seven sacks in nearly 1,700 pass-block snaps the past three seasons.

Panthers received: a 2024 second-round pick (39th overall), a 2024 fifth-round pick (141st overall), a 2025 fifth-round pick

Analysis: This was a deal that stunk of desperation. The Panthers could have traded Burns a season ago and received far more than what they received from the Giants in dealing a Pro Bowl-caliber outside linebacker. However, we can’t adjudicate the past. The Panthers made the decision they made with Burns and now they pay the price