Panthers' huge IDL deal gets maligned by NFL analyst

The Tershawn Wharton deal was not looked at in a positive light.

Dec 8, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (98) celebrates after a sack against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images / Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers nearly agreed to terms with the best defensive tackle on the market before the New England Patriots swooped in. After that, they pivoted to alternative options and agreed with Bobby Brown and Tershawn Wharton. Wharton, a two-time Super Bowl champ, had a breakout season with the Kansas City Chiefs

The signing of Wharton is cheaper than Milton Williams was going to be at three years and $57 million. Still, in the eyes of Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, it's an exorbitant cost for a player who seemingly isn't worth such an investment.

"It’s an enormous payday for Wharton, who had a career year with 6.5 sacks in 2024. While Wharton deserved a significant bump, this is enormous money for a player who has enjoyed one above-average campaign and only once has exceeded 50% of the defensive snaps in a season," Verderame said in giving this deal a brutal D grade. "At 26 years old, there’s ample room to grow, but the Panthers are betting on Wharton not only getting better but becoming a Pro Bowl-caliber player to justify the contract."

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (98) in the second quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Wharton slots in alongside Derrick Brown, who is returning from injury in 2025. While the Panthers ran out a porous combination of Shy Tuttle, LaBryan Ray, and other ineffective players, Carolina now has two dependable if not good players on that interior.

The Panthers' current depth chart, which uses Ejiro Evero's 3-4 scheme, has Wharton backing up Brown, but it's possible that Wharton slides over to the left defensive end spot with a nose tackle, presumably Bobby Brown III, between the two players.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

Panthers among landing spots for 25-TD WR from NFC heavyweight

2025 NFL draft scenario has major trade between Panthers, Cowboys

Continuity could make Panthers  top-10 offensive line even better

Underrated edge rusher thrown out as possible Panthers target