The Carolina Panthers may be building one of the NFL’s most quietly dangerous defenses in 2025. As the offseason heats up, league insiders are zeroing in on Carolina as the perfect destination for two of the league’s most highly regarded remaining free agents, with a focus on bolstering the team’s secondary under defensive mastermind Ejiro Evero.
Sources close to the organization report that the Panthers are actively evaluating both Julian Blackmon and Tre’von Moehrig—two versatile safeties capable of transforming any defensive backfield. According to an anonymous NFC South scout, the Panthers are “the most logical fit” for both players due to Evero’s flexible, hybrid coverage schemes and the team’s current roster makeup.
Julian Blackmon, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts, is a ballhawk with a knack for reading quarterbacks and breaking up big plays. Known for his positional flexibility, Blackmon can line up at both strong and free safety, and his leadership on the field has been praised since his rookie season. Tre’von Moehrig, meanwhile, brings a rare combination of speed, range, and physical tackling to the table. His time with the Las Vegas Raiders showed glimpses of elite-level talent, and many believe a change of scenery and a coach like Evero could unlock his full potential.
What makes this pairing intriguing is Evero’s track record of success using hybrid defensive looks, often deploying safeties interchangeably to keep offenses guessing. With the Panthers’ defense already showing promise and building chemistry, adding Blackmon and Moehrig could be the final piece in constructing a fearsome, playoff-caliber secondary.
“Blackmon gives you incredible instincts and zone recognition, and Moehrig plays like a linebacker in run support but can flip his hips and cover the deep third just as effectively,” said former NFL safety Ryan Clark. “In Evero’s system, they would thrive. This could be one of the best duos in the league if it happens.”
Reports suggest the Panthers are in advanced discussions with at least one of the agents representing these two free agents, though nothing is official yet. With cap space available and a clear need for veteran presence on the back end, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for Carolina to strike.
Adding either Blackmon or Moehrig—or both—would also complement the Panthers’ budding cornerback corps, led by Jaycee Horn. This potential reshaping of the defensive backfield could turn Carolina from a rebuilding team into a wild card threat in the NFC South.
General Manager Dan Morgan has been tight-lipped about negotiations but hinted during a recent radio appearance that “big moves” were on the table. “We’ve built a foundation,” he said. “Now it’s time to put the finishing touches on a unit that can dominate.”
If the Panthers do land these two top-tier defensive backs, it would mark a turning point for a franchise that’s been hovering just below the radar. With a new identity forming and leadership rooted in defense-first football, Carolina could soon emerge as one of the most dangerous teams nobody saw coming.