The Carolina Panthers are entering the offseason with a pressing need to bolster their defensive tackle position. With limited cap space and several key areas to address, the team must find cost-effective solutions to strengthen its interior defensive line. One potential option could be Detroit Lions free agent Benito Jones, who might offer a low-cost yet effective answer to the Panthers’ depth concerns at defensive tackle.
Jones, who spent the 2023 season as part of the Lions’ defensive rotation, brings experience and a physical presence to the interior line. Though not a household name, he has shown flashes of solid run defense and the ability to clog up rushing lanes. At 6-foot-1 and 335 pounds, he possesses the size and strength to hold up against double teams, making him a potential asset for a Panthers defense that struggled against the run last season.
One of the main reasons Jones could be an attractive option for Carolina is his affordability. The Panthers are not in a position to hand out massive contracts, and acquiring a cost-effective veteran who can contribute immediately would be a smart move. Jones, having played a rotational role in Detroit, likely won’t command top-tier defensive tackle money, making him a budget-friendly option for the Panthers’ front office.
Additionally, Jones’ familiarity with defensive line coach Todd Wash could be an advantage. Wash, who previously worked with the Lions, has experience coaching Jones and understands his strengths and weaknesses. This familiarity could help Jones transition smoothly into the Panthers’ defensive scheme, allowing him to contribute right away without a steep learning curve.
The Panthers’ struggles against the run in 2023 were well-documented, as they ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing yards allowed per game. A key factor in their struggles was a lack of consistent interior defensive line play. Adding a space-eating lineman like Jones could help solidify the middle of their defense and alleviate some of the pressure on their linebackers.
While Jones is not known for his pass-rushing ability, he still brings value as an early-down run stuffer. The Panthers could pair him with a more disruptive interior pass rusher to create a balanced defensive tackle rotation. His ability to absorb blockers and free up other defenders could indirectly benefit the Panthers’ edge rushers and linebackers in passing situations.
The Lions may also be looking to upgrade their defensive line this offseason, which could make Jones expendable. If Detroit opts to let him walk in free agency, the Panthers could swoop in and sign him at a bargain price. Given his experience and skill set, he would be an upgrade over some of the current depth options on Carolina’s roster.
Carolina has several other needs to address, including offensive line help and wide receiver depth, so they will need to be strategic with their spending. Signing a player like Jones would allow them to improve their defensive front without exhausting valuable cap space, giving them more flexibility to address other roster deficiencies.
If the Panthers do pursue Jones, they may not have to worry about much competition driving up his price. While there will be demand for defensive tackles in free agency, he is unlikely to be one of the most sought-after players at the position. This makes him an ideal under-the-radar target for a team looking to improve on a budget.
Ultimately, adding Jones would not be a flashy move, but it could be a smart one. He may not be a game-changer, but his presence on the defensive line could provide much-needed stability and depth. If the Panthers want to shore up their run defense without breaking the bank, targeting Jones in free agency would be a logical step.
As the offseason progresses, the Panthers will have several decisions to make regarding their roster construction. If they can secure a low-cost signing like Jones while addressing other needs, it could set them up for a much more competit
ive season in 2024.
