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Panthers' Top Defender: One-and-Done Free Agent?
14 Feb
Summary
- Christian Rozeboom led the Panthers in tackles during the 2025 season.
- The linebacker joined Carolina after a productive 2024 season with the Rams.
- He is considered a potential bargain but a liability in pass coverage.
The Carolina Panthers enter the 2026 offseason as division champions, but defensive improvements are necessary. Christian Rozeboom, a key free-agent addition in 2025, led the team with 122 tackles and wore the defensive play-calling helmet. He previously recorded 135 tackles for the Los Angeles Rams in 2024.
Despite his tackling prowess, Rozeboom, age 29, is not seen as a long-term solution. His performance against the run improved from the league's worst in 2024, but he struggled in pass coverage. The Panthers' defense also faltered late in the season without another key linebacker, Trevin Wallace.
General Manager Dan Morgan may target a versatile linebacker early in the upcoming April draft. Rozeboom is viewed as an experienced player who could stabilize other NFL defenses at a reasonable cost, with the Bengals and Vikings noted as potential fits.
