Known to be in the market for an edge rush addition, the Panthers are set to make a move ahead of Week 2. Carolina plans to sign Charles Harris, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. 
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Harris entered the league with high expectations as a first-round pick. His three-year Dolphins stint did not see him develop into an every-down starter, however. While handling a rotational role, he totaled 3.5 sacks in Miami before flashing more potential during a three-sack 2020 campaign with the Falcons. Harris signed a one-year deal with the Lions in the subsequent offseason, setting himself up for his most productive year.
The Missouri alum started 14 of 17 games during his debut Detroit campaign, totaling 7.5 sacks and 19 pressures. Harris worked under Todd Wash that year; Wash is now the Panthers’ defensive line coach. Harris will hope to deliver another strong year of production upon reuniting with him. The 29-year-old played out a two-year Lions pact in 2022 and ’23, a stretch in which he was limited to 19 games and 2.5 sacks.
The missed time and drop-off in production helped explain how Harris remained a free agent throughout the offseason and into September. By taking a deal in Week 2, his base salary will not be guaranteed. Still, this Panthers pact – which will no doubt be a low-cost, one-year commitment – will give him the opportunity to rebuild his stock while providing Carolina with a veteran contributor in the pass rush department. ESPN’s David Newton notes Harris visited the team last week, so today’s news comes as no surprise.
The Panthers placed both D.J. Wonnum and Amare Barno on the reserve/PUP list ahead of roster cutdowns, meaning those edge rushers will not be available until at least Week 5. Carolina moved on from K’Lavon Chaisson before the season opener, leaving the team particularly thin at the outside linebacker spot. During their blowout loss on Sunday, the Panthers registered only one sack. If he can regain his previous form, Harris may be able to help in that regard for the remainder of the campaign.
Carolina needs to sign a QB instead.