Big changes are on the horizon for the Panthers’ safety group in 2025. Not only will there be a shift in leadership, but the depth chart is also expected to undergo a major overhaul. Following a disappointing 2024 season, Carolina is looking to make significant upgrades to its struggling defense under third-year coordinator Ejiro Evero. The safety position, in particular, is set for a much-needed facelift as the Panthers aim to strengthen one of their weakest spots on the roster.
In January, the Panthers moved on from safeties coach Bert Watts, signaling the start of a shake-up at the position. The team is expected to bring in former NFL safety and ex-defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill for an unspecified role, though it’s likely he will have some involvement with the safety group.
Further complicating the situation is the impending free agency of four key safeties—Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, and Sam Franklin—all of whom are set to hit the market in March. These veterans formed the core of Carolina’s safety unit in 2024, alongside undrafted rookie standout Demani Richardson. With so many changes looming, the Panthers’ secondary could look vastly different next season.
With Woods, Fuller, Scott, and Franklin set to hit free agency, Demani Richardson could be the lone returning safety in Dave Canales’ second season as head coach. Considering Carolina had the worst scoring and rushing defense in the NFL last year, a complete reset at the position might not be a bad thing.
Safety is one of several key areas—along with outside linebacker, defensive end, and possibly wide receiver—that the Panthers could address in both free agency and the draft. Given the significant turnover, a “double-dip” strategy—adding two veteran safeties in free agency and selecting two more in the draft—wouldn’t be surprising as Carolina looks to rebuild its secondary.
Why Panthers should attack the safety need in free agency
Jevon Holland is likely to be the most sought-after safety in free agency. Still just 24 years old, he brings a strong combination of youth, production, and versatility. Over four seasons with Miami, Holland has recorded 25 pass breakups and five interceptions, showcasing his ability to impact both the passing and running game.
With a deep and talented safety market, the Panthers have several options to upgrade the position. Whether they pursue a top-tier player like Holland or look for value in other free agents, Carolina will have the opportunity to overhaul the safety unit significantly. Given their struggles in 2024, this could be one of the team’s most important areas of improvement this offseason.
If the Panthers opt against making a splash for Jevon Holland, Tre’von Moehrig could be an excellent alternative. His size, run defense, and versatility—especially as a blitzer—make him a strong fit for Ejiro Evero’s system. With three sacks, 29 pass breakups, and six interceptions in four seasons, Moehrig has the production to justify a multi-year investment.
Pairing Moehrig with another free-agent safety could be the Panthers’ best path forward. Options like Damar Hamlin, Justin Reid, Andre Cisco, and Ashtyn Davis provide varying skill sets at different pric
If the Panthers opt against making a splash for Jevon Holland, Tre’von Moehrig could be an excellent alternative. His size, run defense, and versatility—especially as a blitzer—make him a strong fit for Ejiro Evero’s system. With three sacks, 29 pass breakups, and six interceptions in four seasons, Moehrig has the production to justify a multi-year investment.
Pairing Moehrig with another free-agent safety could be the Panthers’ best path forward. Options like Damar Hamlin, Justin Reid, Andre Cisco, and Ashtyn Davis provide varying skill sets at different price points. A combination of a proven veteran and a younger, ascending player could help solidify the backend of Carolina’s defense without breaking the bank.
With a deep safety free-agent class and the likelihood of adding talent through the draft, the Panthers have plenty of avenues to revamp their struggling secondary.
e points. A combination of a proven veteran and a younger, ascending player could help solidify the backend of Carolina’s defense without breaking the bank.
With a deep safety free-agent class and the likelihood of adding talent through the draft, the Panthers have plenty of avenues to revamp their struggling secondary.