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Josey Jewell Reveals Why He Left Broncos for Panthers
Jewell inked a three-year deal with Carolina in March.
Coaching, Coaching, Coaching isn't just a popular catchphrase or a clever T-shirt. It's the reason Josey Jewell no longer plays for the Denver Broncos.
The veteran inside linebacker, fresh off inking a three-year, $22.75 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, admitted as much Wednesday when asked for the motivation behind his free-agent defection.
“For me, it was the coaches," Jewell said, via Kassidy Hill of the Panthers' official website. "Wanted some familiarity and I felt like I played my best ball under them.”
By "them," Jewell is referring to Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and linebackers coach Peter Hansen, both of whom held the same positions with Denver in 2022. Jewell enjoyed a breakout campaign under their tutelage, notching 128 combined tackles, 70 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two interceptions — all career-bests — across 13 games.
The 29-year-old was less effective last season despite making three more appearances for Broncos DC Vance Joseph, posting 108 combined tackles, 60 solo stops, two TFLs, and zero INTs. He graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 40 LB among 82 qualifiers.
Denver opted against re-signing Jewell and instead, in the wake of his departure, brought aboard former Commanders ILB Cody Barton, who's tentatively expected to start next to Alex Singleton.
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