In response to the devastating loss of Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown to a season-ending meniscus injury during their Week 1 defeat against the New Orleans Saints, the Carolina Panthers officially signed veteran edge rusher Charles Harris on Wednesday, September 11.
Following Brown’s injury, Panthers head coach Dave Canales addressed the media, emphasizing the team’s “next man up” approach to handle the absence of one of their star players. “It’s a huge loss, no doubt,” Canales said. “Derrick is one of our best, but we have other guys who can step up. We don’t need anyone to be Derrick Brown—we just need them to do their job and work together as a team.”
Harris, 29, will play a key role in this strategy. Known for his breakout 2021 season with the Detroit Lions, where he posted 7.5 sacks, Harris has struggled with injuries in recent years, making only seven starts across 19 games over the past two seasons. However, the Panthers are hopeful that Harris can stay healthy and help fill the void left by Brown’s absence, especially as the team has struggled to generate a pass rush.
The Panthers have faced significant challenges at edge rusher this season, having traded away Brian Burns and lost Frankie Luvu to free agency. Although the team signed Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum in the offseason, Wonnum began the season on injured reserve, leaving Carolina with limited options. Harris, who had already worked out with the team on August 29, was on their radar before the season. To make room for him, the Panthers released tight end Feliepe Franks on September 9.
What Harris Brings to the Panthers
Harris brings experience and pass-rushing capability to the Panthers’ defense. In 2021, while playing in Detroit’s 3-4 defense under current Carolina defensive line coach Todd Wash, Harris had a career-best season. Drafted 22nd overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2017, Harris spent three years in Miami and had stints with the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions.
Although Harris won’t directly replace Brown, who plays on the interior, he will take on a key role as an outside linebacker in the Panthers’ 3-4 system, focusing on pressuring quarterbacks from the edge. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be crucial for a Panthers team looking to maintain its defensive strength after losing a key piece of their line.
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