The Carolina Panthers totaled just 35 sacks last season, finishing near the bottom of the league. A year prior the defense reached opposing quarterbacks 50 times, good for third overall. The drop off was apparent in 2018 and general manager Marty Hurney has committed to improving the pass rush next season.
Julius Peppers opting to retire after a Hall of Fame career and 17 years in the league left a vacancy along the defensive line. Considering he was originally brought back to compete on third downs but ended up having to start and register many more snaps than originally anticipated, his production needs to be replaced.