It is not a secret that the Carolina Panthers need help in multiple places on the field, in particular, when it comes to rushing the passer. Known to be in the market for an edge rush addition, the Panthers are set to make a move ahead of Week 2 matchup against Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Carolina plans to sign Charles Harris, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The move comes the day after the team learned devasting news that Pro Bowl defensive linemen Derrick Brown suffered a potential season-ending meniscus injury during Sunday’s 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints. But Harris, 29 years-of-age, is not thought of as a replacement for Brown. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, he would play outside linebacker in Carolina’s 3-4 scheme.
Harris came into the league with lofty expectations as a first-round pick by the Miami Dolphins out of the University of Missouri in 2017. His three-year stint with the Dolphins was underwhelming at best, and did not see him come into his own as an every-down starter, however. While playing in a rotational role as just another guy, he totaled 3.5 sacks in Miami before making significant improvement and flashing during a three-sack 2020 campaign with the Atlanta Falcons. Harris inked a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions in the following offseason, setting himself up for his most productive year.
The Missouri alum started 14 of 17 games during his first season in the ‘Motor City’, getting home to the quarterback with 7.5 sacks and 19 pressures. Harris was coach by Todd Wash that year. Wash is now the Panthers’ defensive line coach. Harris will hope to deliver another strong season of production upon reuniting with him. Harris played out a two-year Lions deal in 2022 and ’23, a stretch in which he was limited to 19 games and 2.5 sacks.
The missed time due to injury and drop-off in performance helped rationalized how Harris remained on the street as a free agent throughout the offseason and into early September. By signing on the dotted line in Week 2, his base salary will not be guaranteed. Still, this Panthers agreement, which will no doubt be a low-cost, one-year commitment, will give him the opportunity to rebuild his value around the league, while providing the Panthers with a veteran contributor in the pass rush department and the locker room. ESPN’s David Newton notes Harris took an official visit the team last week, so today’s news comes as no surprise.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Panthers placed both D.J. Wonnum and Amare Barno on the reserve/PUP list ahead of roster cutdowns, meaning those edge rushers will not be available until at least Week 5. Carolina parted ways with K’Lavon Chaisson before the season opener, leaving the team particularly thin and vulnerable at the outside linebacker spot.
During their blowout loss on Sunday, the Panthers registered only one sack. If he can somehow reach back and regain his previous form, Harris may be able to help in that regard for the remainder of the campaign.
