The Panthers have added some more depth at edge rusher.
Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Carolina is signing K’Lavon Chaisson to a one-year deal worth a maximum of $5 million.
The Jaguars selected Chaisson at No. 20 overall in the 2020 draft, but he has not reached a level of first-round production in his four seasons. Chaisson started 11 games over his first two seasons but has not started one since, making 57 total appearances. He has 5.0 career sacks.
In 2023, Chaisson recorded 13 total tackles with four tackles for loss, eight QB hits, and 2.0 sacks. He was on the field for 25 percent of defensive snaps and 25 percent of special teams snaps.
The Panthers have also added D.J. Wonnum at edge rusher and have met with Jadeveon Clowney after trading Brian Burns.
Free agent edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney met with the Panthers on Thursday.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports Clowney will visit the Jets next week.
Clowney, a former No. 1 overall pick, has played for five different teams by signing a series of one-year contracts. He was drafted by the Texans in 2014 and after five seasons there played one season in Seattle, one in Tennessee, two in Cleveland and one in Baltimore.
Clowney, 31, tied his career high with 9.5 sacks last season with the Ravens.
In 10 years, he has 52.5 career sacks and three Pro Bowls.
The Panthers are adding an edge rusher.
Per multiple reports, Carolina is finalizing a two-year deal with former Viking D.J. Wonnum.
A fourth-round pick in 2020, Wonnum just finished his rookie contract with Minnesota. He appeared in 15 games with 14 starts in 2023, registering 8.0 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hits. He was on the field for 83 percent of the defensive snaps in games played.
Overall, Wonnum has recorded 23.0 sacks, 24 tackles for loss, and 49 quarterback hits in 62 games with 31 starts. He’s also tallied 11 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Wonnum was scheduled to meet with the Bears as well this week.
The Chargers signed Will Dissly this week and they appear to be on track to add another free agent tight end to the roster as well.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that Hayden Hurst is visiting with the team and Henry told Joseph Person of TheAthletic.com that he expects to sign with the team.
“I’m just excited to get back on the field with a team who believes in me and is going to give me opportunities to prove myself once again,” Henry said.
Hurst started his career as a 2018 first-round pick in Baltimore when Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz worked for the Ravens and he played for Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh’s brother John during his two years with the team.
Hurst dealt with post-traumatic amnesia due to a concussion last season and only played nine games. He had 18 catches for 184 yards and a touchdown, but posted 52 catches for the Bengals during the 2022 season.
The Bengals are bringing back a familiar face to their defense.
Cincinnati has agreed to a one-year deal with safety Vonn Bell, according to his agent, David Canter.
Bell, 29, was previously with the Bengals from 2020-2022, starting 48 games for the club. He then signed a three-year deal with the Panthers last offseason and started 13 games but was released earlier this week.
The Bengals will benefit from Bell’s previous contract, as the Panthers will pay most of Bell’s $6 million salary in 2024. Per multiple reports, Cincinnati will pay Bell the veteran minimum.
A Saints second-round pick in 2016, Bell has appeared in 122 career games with 106 starts over his eight-year career. He’s recorded 37 passes defensed, seven interceptions, 15 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, and 9.5 sacks.
