ESPN analyst claims Panthers panicked with Wharton signing

When the Carolina Panthers inked defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton to a three-year, $45 million deal, they made a clear commitment to strengthening their defensive line. However, the signing came with some significant questions. ESPN analyst Ben Solak has raised concerns, suggesting that the Panthers may have panicked after missing out on their initial target, Milton Williams.

The Panthers had set their sights on Williams, who recently signed a lucrative four-year, $104 million deal with the New England Patriots. According to reports, Carolina was deep in negotiations with Williams but couldn’t compete with the Patriots’ offer. This led to a shift in strategy, with the Panthers pivoting to Wharton. However, as Solak points out, this wasn’t the ideal backup plan. “I’m not convinced Wharton has that juice,” said Solak, questioning the long-term value of the move. Williams was seen as a better fit for Carolina’s needs, and the Panthers’ inability to secure him could haunt them.

Wharton’s stats are impressive, with 6.5 sacks in 2024, similar to Williams’ breakout season. However, Solak highlights that Wharton’s numbers came on 140 more pass-rush snaps than Williams, and his pressure rate of 8.2% is just above league average. Williams, on the other hand, demonstrated more consistent impact and was seen as the real prize in free agency. The Panthers’ gamble on Wharton could prove costly if his performance doesn’t match the financial investment.

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The Panthers’ decision to pay Wharton $15 million annually, a contract meant to anchor their defensive front, could leave them strapped for cash down the line. With a defense that ranked among the NFL’s worst in 2024, they needed a playmaker, but in Solak’s eyes, they may have overspent for a player whose potential still feels unproven. If Wharton doesn’t live up to expectations, the Panthers will have missed their chance to allocate funds for other needs.

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In the cutthroat world of NFL free agency, the Panthers may have acted out of desperation. Only time will tell if Tershawn Wharton’s signing is a calculated success or a costly mistake.