The Carolina Panthers have reportedly added a new enforcer to their defensive secondary.
Monday, the team reached an agreement on a three-year, $51 million deal with soon-to-be former Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre’von Moehrig, according toJordan Schultz of FOX Sports. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the deal has a max value of $60 million.
The agreement was made during the NFL’s open negotiation window, but a contract can’t be officially signed until the start of the new league year when free agency starts in earnest on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Moehrig, 25, brings size and physicality to the Panthers’ safety room. The 6-foot-2, 202-pound defensive back is known for his hard-nosed style of play. He is a sound tackler and has worthwhile playmaking ability.
During his four seasons in Las Vegas, the 2021 second-round pick produced 297 tackles, three sacks, 29 pass breakups and six interceptions. He is coming off a career year in 2024, as he collected 104 tackles (five for loss), a sack, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions.
Moehrig will enter a safety depth chart with a relatively clean slate. Outside of second-year safety Demani Richardson, the entire group from 2024 is set to test free agency.
Xavier Woods, the team’s longtime starter, will hit the open market, along with the likes of Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Lonnie Johnson and Sam Franklin. While a couple of those contributors could return, Moehrig will be seen as the new alpha starter in the room.
The Panthers still need to add to the position group, but Moehrig’s arrival is a notable one.
Moehrig’s prowess against the run will help improve the Panthers’ defense following a historically poor performance against opposing rushing attacks in 2024. His blitzing ability and ball-hawking skills will also benefit the pass defense. Overall, on paper, Moehrig is an major upgrade at the position.
This developing story will be updated.