2026 NFL Draft: Panthers GM Dan Morgan addresses defensive line adjustments

2026 NFL Draft: Panthers GM Dan Morgan addresses defensive line adjustments originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Business is business and the Carolina Panthers needed additional cap space for free-agent expenditures. The offseason result was the release of defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson.

A two-year starter, Robinson added a reliable presence, which Morgan could no longer afford. By releasing the former Super Bowl champion March 10, the Panthers saved approximately $10.5 million. Part of that infusion helped Morgan negotiate deals for three top free agents, edge Jaelan Phillips, inside linebacker Devin Lloyd, and left tackle Rasheed Wallace.

Morgan didn't enjoy calling Robinson to inform the 10-year veteran of the cost-cutting, but necessary, maneuver. With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, the Panthers could find Robinson's replacement with a mid-to-late-round selection.

"A'Shawn, great dude, great leader," Morgan said during Tuesday's pre-draft press conference at Bank of America Stadium. "We'll definitely miss him around here. It's definitely just part of the business."

Panthers GM Dan Morgan seeks DL depth

Seeking to replace Robinson's 145 combined tackles and eight sacks in 2024 and '25, Morgan likely will look to add to the team's defensive line depth with a mid-to-late round draft pick and possibly an undrafted free agent or two.

"In terms of the defensive tackle class, I feel pretty good about it," Morgan said. "I think it's a little top-heavy, but I do think there are guys we like that we pinpointed, so I think if the opportunity arises, we would definitely have competition and depth there."

While edge and offensive line prospects likely will receive a higher pre-draft grade, Morgan identified Clemson's Peter Woods as a potential first- or second-round prospect.

The Panthers have never drafted a player from Clemson.