Panthers free agency tracker: Carolina signs TE Hayden Hurst, RB Miles Sanders, QB Andy Dalton

The Carolina Panthers rang in the new league year by signing a starting new tight end for their new bridge quarterback Andy Dalton.

At 4 p.m. on Wednesday, all previously agreed-upon trades and signings became official. The team announced its trade with the Bears, saying goodbye to receiver DJ Moore and hello to being on the clock for the NFL draft. Free agent deals with defensive tackle Shy Tuttle, safety Vonn Bell, tight end Hayden Hurst and Dalton all became official. Center Bradley Bozeman was even in Charlotte to sign his new contract extension.

Later that night, the Panthers agreed to terms with running back Miles Sanders and defensive tackle DeShawn Williams.

Free agent receiver Adam Thielen was also in town visiting with the Panthers, but the team did not sign him. Reports say the former Vikings standout is keeping his options open while exploring free agency and could still end up in Carolina. The Panthers also announced they restructured punter Johnny Hekker’s contract. The move created about $800,000 in cap space.

With the annual second wave of free agency nearing, let’s break down what these moves mean for the Panthers. Here is an updated list of the Panthers’ free-agent moves.

Free agents joining the Panthers

TE Hayden Hurst

The Panthers added a key piece to their new-look offense on Wednesday. Reports say the team agreed to a three-year deal with Hurst, a contract that will pay the fifth-year tight end $13 million in guaranteed money. He projects as a starter, joining a tight end room of Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble, Giovanni Ricci and Stephen Sullivan.

Hurst was drafted No. 25 by the Ravens in 2018. Two years later, he was traded to the Falcons and caught a career-high 56 passes for 571 yards and six touchdowns that season. He spent last year with the Bengals, serving as an outlet for quarterback Joe Burrow. He was one of the Bengals’ key targets during the team’s divisional victory over the Bills. The 6-foot-4 zone-coverage beater caught five passes for 59 yards and a touchdown at Buffalo.

With the Panthers, Hurst should complement the in-line blocking style of Thomas. When Carolina deploys 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends) Hurst and Thomas can play off each other’s strengths.

In a related move, Carolina tight end Ian Thomas accepted a pay cut that will reduce his base salary over the next two seasons, a source confirmed to The Observer. Thomas — who signed a three-year, $16.95 million contract last offseason — will make $3 million in 2023 and $3.65 million in 2024. A year ago his new deal had $8 million in guarantees and included a $5 million signing bonus. He caught 21 passes for 197 yards last year.

The move freed up $2.875 million in cap space, which helped the Panthers sign Hurst and others.

RB Miles Sanders

Carolina made a splash in the running back market by signing former Eagles running back Miles Sanders. The 2019 second-round pick gained more than 1,200 yards last season, scored 11 touchdowns and made the Pro Bowl en route to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run.

At only 25 years old, the Panthers are gaining a home run-hitting running back with pass-catching upside. He’ll be the lead back in Carolina’s running back room, joining Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear. Sanders’ signing likely signals D’Onta Foreman will not return.

Panthers.com reported that the team made Foreman an offer ahead of Monday. Foreman likely remains available because the running back market took days to materialize. David Montgomery — who was considered the best tailback on available — signed a three-year, $18 million deal with the Lions, which should’ve set the market. But the Cowboys cut Zeke Elliott on Wednesday, creating further uncertainty for other available running backs.

That did not stop Sanders from deciding to join the Panthers.

DT DeShawn Williams

Williams is a 30-year-old defensive tackle who started 15 games for the Broncos last season. He is familiar with new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who he played for in Denver. Carolina is shifting to a 3-4 defense under Evero and Williams can play multiple positions up front depending on personnel and situation.

The former Clemson standout played three seasons with the Broncos. In 2019, he played a year in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders.

QB Andy Dalton

The Panthers found their bridge quarterback in Dalton. Whether he starts Week 1 or not, he’ll be a reliable mentor for whoever Carolina drafts at No. 1.

Last season with the Saints, Dalton went 6-8 but threw for 230 yards and tossed multiple touchdowns five times. From Week 4 to Week 12 he threw at least one score in eight straight games. Dalton notched four touchdowns against the Cardinals and three against the Rams.

The three-time Pro Bowler will fit nicely into coach Frank Reich’s West Coast offense. Dalton has a history in the quick-throwing system, most recently with Matt Nagy in Chicago.

S Vonn Bell

Bell joining the Panthers’ defense signals a few things about how new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is crafting his unit. First, Bell will likely play alongside fellow safeties Xavier Woods and Jeremy Chinn. The Panthers’ base defense could feature three starting safeties, allowing Chinn to play closer to the line of scrimmage as a hybrid linebacker and rover player.

With Woods at free safety, Bell at strong safety and Chinn as an additional defensive back, Carolina can remain versatile while still being stout enough to defend the run. Bell, 28, was a pillar of the Bengals’ defense during the past three seasons. Bell played more defensive snaps (1,024) than any other Bengal last season. He’s a hard-hitting, down-hill safety with a quick trigger thanks to his dedication to film study and familiarity with two-high safety schemes.

Bell recorded four interceptions last season and also blitzed 30 times.

DT Shy Tuttle

Tuttle is a 6-foot-3, 300-pound defense tackle who is capable of playing both nose tackle and the three-technique. His deal became official on Wednesday. He projects as a starter alongside fellow defensive tackle Derrick Brown. Tuttle played four years with the Saints after going undrafted in 2019 and helped New Orleans finish with a top-10 run defense in 2020 and 2021.

He’ll play as an early-down run defender. Tuttle has never played more than 49% of a team’s defensive snaps, meaning he comes off the field in obvious passing situations such as third down and two-minute drills.

Free agents re-signed by the Panthers

C Bradley Bozeman

Bozeman’s re-signing ensures all five starting offensive linemen from last season’s team will be back.

Before the deal was announced, The Observer’s Mike Kaye reported that the price range for available centers is settling below expectations. Centers who are looking for about $10 million per year would likely have to have to compromise for around $6 million APY (average per year).

Hours later, Bozeman and the Panthers agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million.

Signing Bozeman to a fair deal is ideal for Carolina. The team prioritized Bozeman more than Foreman, though general manager Scott Fitterer has made clear he’d like to retain both.

S Sam Franklin

Franklin is returning to the Panthers on a one-year, $2.6 million deal. As a restricted free agent, the Panthers can match any offer sheet Franklin receives.

Last season, Franklin led the Panthers in special teams tackles and was the third unit’s nominee for the Pro Bowl. He has quickly become a favorite among his teammates and coaches. Franklin’s work on special teams led to an enhanced role on defense.

He played a career-high 36 defensive snaps in Week 12 against Denver, helping Carolina win. He’ll remain a special teams ace while having an opportunity to expand his defensive role under Evero.

Best remaining free agents at positions of need

Wide receiver

The Panthers’ wide receiver depth chart is frighteningly thin. New Bears receiver Moore accounted for 28% of Carolina’s receiving yards (888) last season. His seven touchdowns made up 44% of the team’s 16 total receiving touchdowns. Terrace Marshall Jr., Shi Smith and Laviska Shenault Jr. are the only receivers currently on the roster who caught a pass last season.

And that means Carolina will likely replenish its receiver room with at least one veteran via free agency and then use the draft to add young talent.

Best fit: Parris Campbell, Colts

Campbell was drafted by the Colts in 2019 by Reich. He battled injury for three straight seasons, appearing in just six games. But last season he had a career season, catching 63 passes for 623 yards and three touchdowns.

In Carolina, Campbell could play multiple spots in Reich’s offense. He’s a big-slot option with sure hands and separation ability.

Others available

Mecole Hardman, Chiefs

DJ Chark, Lions

Adam Thielen, Vikings

Nelson Agholor, Patriots

Linebacker

The Panthers’ needs at linebacker are less urgent than other positions. Before free agency, the team reworked Shaq Thompson’s contract. He’ll start at one of the two inside linebacker spots. There is still a lot of unknown surrounding how the team will deploy fellow linebackers Frankie Luvu and Brandon Smith as Carolina transitions to a 3-4 front under Evero.

Carolina signing safety Bell on Monday is also a signal that Chinn is likely going to play closer to the line of scrimmage this season as a hybrid linebacker.

Best fit: Anthony Walker, Browns

Walker would be a sound fit next to Thompson. With the Browns, Walker was asked to do a lot in pass coverage. He was a team captain and called plays. He sustained a season-ending quadriceps injury in Week 3 and the Browns’ defense regressed without him.

Before joining the Browns via free agency in 2021, Walker played four seasons with the Colts. Three of those years were under Reich. He recorded two 100-plus tackle seasons with the Colts and made 112 tackles in his first season in Cleveland.

Others available

Devin Bush, Steelers

Drue Tranquill, Chargers

Bobby Wagner, Rams

Players leaving the Panthers for other teams

QB Sam Darnold

The San Francisco 49ers agreed to a one-year deal with quarterback Sam Darnold, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Darnold was in the mix to return to Carolina as a veteran presence in what will be a young Panthers quarterback room. But he has an opportunity to start for the 49ers and should compete with Trey Lance and Brock Purdy. Darnold likely earned ringing endorsements from San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey and new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

QB P.J. Walker

Just before the new league year started, The Observer’s Mike Kaye reported the Panthers were not tendering P.J. Walker. Shortly after, the free-agent quarterback signed with the Chicago Bears. The Panthers have rookie Matt Corral under contract and will draft a quarterback at No. 1. By signing Dalton, Walker became dispensable.

Walker will likely serve as Justin Fields’ backup after spending three seasons with the Panthers. The former XFL standout went 4-3 as starter. He threw for 731 yards and three touchdowns in five starts. Two of his scores went to Moore.

Thirteen Panthers remain unsigned:

RB D’Onta Foreman

DT Matthew Ioannidis

K Eddy Piñeiro

OT Cam Erving

WR/KR Andre Roberts

WR Rashard Higgins

G Michael Jordan

LB Cory Littleton

S Sean Chandler

CB T.J. Carrie

DE Henry Anderson

S Juston Burris

LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe

This story was updated at 10 a.m. Thursday.