LaBryan Ray
The Carolina Panthers have been busy during this free agency window. With free agency officially beginning on March 11, the Panthers resigned two defensive players to buffer their defense.
According to the Carolina Panthers website, the team re-signed restricted free agent defensive end LaBryan Ray and unrestricted free agent cornerback Robert Rochell.
LaBryan Ray attended the University of Alabama and was signed as a tryout free agent in 2023. The 28-year-old has appeared in 46 games with 10 starts for the Panthers over the last three seasons. In 2024, he started 9 games recording 41 tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss. Ray has been a rotational player for most of his time in the NFL.
27-year-old cornerback Robert Rochell started off on the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad in 2023.
“He was here in 2023 on the practice squad before he was signed away by the Packers. Last season, he was signed off the Cowboys practice squad and finished the season here. He appeared in the final four regular-season games as well as the wild card game against the Rams.” Darin Gantt wrote in the Carolina Panthers article.
“He began his career with the Rams in 2021 (giving him background with the defensive coaching staff) and has appeared in 54 games with five starts.”
Carolina Panthers Defense Looking Formidable
The Carolina Panthers have made some big moves since the free agency window has opened.
The Carolina Panthers have signed former Eagles Pass Rusher Jaelan Phillips to a 4-year, $120 Million contract.
“Sources: Jaelan Phillips has agreed to a 4-year, $120 million deal with the Carolina Panthers with $80M in guarantees.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on Monday.
Phillips has played a total of 63 games in his career. He has recorded 205 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 28 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 11 pass defenses since he has been in NFL.
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the Panthers have also agreed to terms on a three-year, $45 million contract with Jacksonville Jaguars free agent linebacker Devin Lloyd.
“Sources to me and @RapSheet: The #Panthers have agreed to terms with LB Devin Lloyd on a three-year, $45 million deal with $25 million guaranteed Devin Lloyd. Deal done by his agents @AndreOdom and A.J. Stevens.”
Lloyd proved he was one of the most versatile linebackers in the league in 2025. During the 2025 NFL season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 27-year-old linebacker played in 15 games. He recorded 81 total tackles with 1.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, five interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and seven defended passes.
Future Bright in Carolina
In 2025, the Carolina Panthers had a 34% pass-rush win rate. As a result, the Panthers ranked 16th in total defense. They ranked 20th in the NFL against the run and 15th against the pass.
These numbers will be expected to rise after these signings. The Panthers have added depth and youth to contribute to their success. The team will look to be in the playoffs for the second year in a row after finishing with an 8-9 record during the 2025 season. The team did finish below .500 in 2025 for the eighth consecutive year, but the club won the NFC South for the first time since 2015.
With the Panthers’ defense being buffered along with the rise of a young offense, Carolina Panthers fans should have some excitement before the 2026 season starts.