What Does Releasing This Veteran Linebacker Mean for the Carolina Panthers?
Today, the Carolina Panthers released veteran linebacker Josey Jewell due to ongoing concussion symptoms. General Manager Dan Morgan and the Panthers significantly improved their defense this offseason. They signed two defensive linemen in Tersahwn Wharton and Bobby Brown III, and drafted Florida anchor Cam Jackson. The team also went out and inked inside linebacker Christian Rozeboom to a one-year deal. The release of Jewell could deceptively improve this Carolina defense, and here is why.
In his first year as a Panther, Jewell tallied 97 tackles and three-and-a-half sacks, but saw a huge dip in his advanced metrics. He posted a 56.5 overall PFF grade, which was 135th out of just under 190 LBs in 2024. His release came as a shock, as the team just signed him last offseason and had high hopes for what he could bring to a young, struggling defense. Jewell only played 12 games last year, which ultimately prompted Carolina to start rookie third-round pick Trevin Wallace.
Wallace, who is a former Kentucky Wildcat and a 2021 All-Freshman team member of the SEC, did not take these snaps for granted. He surprised coaches and fans with the skill he had in just his rookie season. His speed and instincts jump off the screen, and his ability to read pre-snap motion was miraculous given that he was just a rookie. With Jewell’s release, Wallace will battle for the number one LB spot and get more reps in training camp. This also opens up a place for the Rozeboom, as mentioned above, a guy with plenty of starting experience on a team that runs a very similar defense to Carolina.
Rozeboom started 11 games last year for the Rams, but put up some impressive numbers. His 91 solo tackles were good for 16th across the NFL, and his 41 assisted tackles ranked seventh across the league. He is also better in coverage than Jewell, as he posted a 60.9 coverage grade, per PFF. The former undrafted free agent will look to solidify his role as a starter in training camp, but with the release of Jewell, his roster spot and job security are nearly guaranteed.
