Devin Lloyd
Getty
New Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd.
While the Carolina Panthers paid handsomely for Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips, you’d think their stats and highlights served as the impetus. However, general manager Dan Morgan flipped that notion on its ear when he outlined the trait that they share, making them signable. Morgan spoke at the annual owners’ meetings, covered by The Athletic.
“The former Carolina linebacker has looked for players with specific attributes. Those include versatility, physicality, high effort, high character, and length, which to Morgan refers more to arm length than height. The long and short of it: “I think if all things are equal, we’re always probably going to go for the longer, bigger guy over the smaller (one),” Morgan said.”
“Carolina is lurking in several markets, likely seeking pass-rush and linebacker help. Players such as edge rusher Odafe Oweh and linebacker Devin Lloyd are considered good fits for the Panthers’ defensive scheme.”
📽️Lloyd’s 5 INT tied for the most among off-ball LB in 2025. https://t.co/FmHThffzJa pic.twitter.com/lhG8hXQp8E
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) March 8, 2026
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Morgan’s Arm Length Search Theory Started in Seattle
As a member of the Seattle Seahawks front office, Morgan learned at the knee of general manager John Schneider. As a result, look at who the Seahawks pursue in the draft and free agency. For instance, the Seahawks assembled the Legion of Doom” defense on the strength of their long-limbed draft picks. For example, while Bobby Wagner stood out during his tenure at Utah State, his 33-inch arms gave him the space to disengage from blocks and make plays.
On top of that, Richard Sherman became a third-round pick. Sherman’s 4.53 time in the 40-yard dash became a hanging albatross . Yet, Seattle took a flyer and was rewarded with 32 interceptions in Seattle, three All-Pro nods, and three Pro Bowl appearances.
Likewise, KJ Wright’s name didn’t capture the public’s attention. Moreover, a linebacker who runs a 4.75 in the 40-yard dash. However, the brain trust looked past the stopwatch. Wright started 140 games for Seattle, making a Pro Bowl, recording six 90-tackle seasons.
Execution of Morgan’s Theory Produces Results
The Panthers’ general manager sees levers as a way of condensing the 100-yard field.
“When I’m sitting up there and I’m looking out on the field,” he said, “they kind of make the field shrink and make the field seem smaller than what it really is when you have guys that are bigger and longer out there as opposed to shorter, n-typer type guys.”
Phillips’ arm measures 33.25 inches. As a pass rusher who wants to use explosion and agility, arm length opens doors. First, moves like the swim will keep the edge rusher clean. Phillips can convert speed to power. Yet, that will never be the main tool in his repertoire. Keeping a blocker’s hands off his chest provides Phillips the daylight he needs to be successful. In turn, the Panthers definitely need that to become a habit.
Irony of Arm Choice Isn’t Lost on Morgan
Morgan, as a former starting middle linebacker for the Panthers, sees the irony in the situation.
“ (Luke) Kuechly only had like 31 and some change arms. I only had like 31(-inch) arms,” Morgan said. “So that’s not to say I wouldn’t take a linebacker (with short arms), but you have to have those other factors.”
Indeed, 2025 Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly would not meet the arm-length standards set by Morgan. Still, he managed to establish an elite career.
Now, he will bank on his two newest defensive additions to help the Panthers defend their NFC South championship.
Jaelan Phillips
GettyPanthers pass rusher Jaelan Phillips