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Carolina Panthers 2023 free agent signings: Early focus is on defense with NT Shy Tuttle, S Vonn Bell

The Carolina Panthers opened up their free agent season by agreeing to terms with former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Shy Tuttle on Monday. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2023 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, which means free agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2023 NFL draft begins April 27 on ESPN.

The Carolina Panthers are focused on finding a long-term solution at quarterback in the draft after trading with the Chicago Bears to acquire the No. 1 pick to get their choice, likely between Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. But they need a veteran who can handle the job until the rookie is ready and a veteran wide receiver after including DJ Moore in the trade.

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Re-signing center Bradley Bozeman was a priority, and keeping running back D’Onta Foreman remains one, if the price is right. Beyond that, look for the Panthers to add a pass-catching tight end, defensive linemen (as they transition to a 3-4 scheme under new coach Frank Reich) and a safety.

Here's a breakdown of every 2023 NFL free agent signing by the Panthers, and how each will impact the upcoming season:

Bradley Bozeman, C
Carolina is bringing Bozeman back on a three-year, $18 million deal.

What it means: That the starting offensive line that helped the Panthers rank fifth in the NFL in rushing over the final 12 games last season is under contract. That whichever quarterback Carolina selects with the top pick will have a proven, veteran group not only to protect him, but to provide a running game that will take pressure off him. That general manager Scott Fitterer has fulfilled one of his offseason priorities.

What's the risk: None. The Panthers made it clear they wanted Bozeman back and Bozeman made it clear he wanted to return. It's not a break-the-bank type deal that would prevent Carolina from strengthening the rest of the roster. Plus, Bozeman in a short time already has had a big impact on the community through his foundation.

Vonn Bell, S
The Panthers and Bell, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, agreed to terms on a free agent contact.

What it means: The Panthers now have the flexibility to move 2020 second-round pick Jeremy Chinn closer to the line of scrimmage, where he was much of his rookie season when he played more linebacker than safety. Chinn didn't have an interception or fumble recovery last season at safety. He had only one sack. With the move to a 3-4 scheme, Chinn could be used more in zone blitz situations like the Steelers used to use Troy Polamalu. Bell gives Carolina a more traditional safety and playmaker. He had four picks in 2022.

What's the risk: Not much. The former Ohio State star is a playmaker in his own right with 15 forced fumbles, 9.5 sacks and 6 interceptions since the Saints made him a second-round pick in 2016.


Shy Tuttle, NT
The Panthers have agreed to terms with Tuttle, formerly of the New Orleans Saints, on a three-year, $19.5 million contract with $13 million guaranteed.

What it means: The Panthers are on their way to solidifying the defensive front for their new 3-4 scheme. Tuttle (6-foot-3, 300 pounds) likely will play nose tackle, as the 3-4 system requires the tackle and two ends to eat up blocks so the outside edge rushers can pressure the quarterback. This also means Tuttle gets to come home. He grew up about 68 miles from Charlotte in Midway, North Carolina.

What's the risk: Not a lot. Tuttle is relatively inexpensive when it comes to defensive linemen, but he fits the style that senior defensive consultant Dom Capers looked for when he shopped for bargains in 1995 as the first head coach of the Panthers while putting together a 3-4 scheme. The big money typically goes to the outside linebackers, and this perhaps gives Carolina flexibility to extend the deal of Brian Burns as he enters the fifth year of his rookie deal.