Panthers-Rams Deal Could Be Just What Carolina Needs to Plug Weakness

Panthers-Rams Trade Proposal Could Address Carolina’s Weak Secondary

The Carolina Panthers may still be looking to strengthen their secondary, and the Los Angeles Rams might have just the player to help fill that gap.

Although Dave Canales’s first season as head coach saw the Panthers finish strong, a large part of that success came from the offense finding its rhythm with the development of quarterback Bryce Young. However, the team’s defense was a major concern, setting an unfortunate NFL record for points allowed in a single season (534).

Carolina’s defense also ranked worst in the league in total and rushing yards allowed in 2024. Despite solid cornerbacks like Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, the Panthers gave up the most passing touchdowns (35) of any team. To address this, general manager Dan Morgan has brought in safety help through free agency (Tre’von Moehrig) and the draft (Lathan Ransom). There are also reports suggesting the team may pursue a veteran free safety, with names like Julian Blackmon and Justin Simmons being floated.

However, another potential candidate could be on the market. Lorenzo J. Reyna from ClutchPoints suggested that the Los Angeles Rams might be willing to move on from a 2024 free-agent acquisition, Kamren Curl.

“Curl, a late addition to the Rams’ defense in 2024, may have an uncertain future in Los Angeles,” Reyna noted. “He saw a drop in production, with tackles falling from 115 in 2023 with the Washington Commanders to just 79 in 2024 with the Rams. This decline raises concerns, though it’s worth noting he played behind a strong front seven, including rookie standout Jared Verse.”

Despite the dip in tackles, Curl was still ranked 37th among safeties by Pro Football Focus and finished third on the Rams with 79 tackles. He also recorded one sack, two forced fumbles, nine passes defensed, and a fumble recovery. Curl played in both of the Rams’ postseason games, totaling eight tackles.

Given these stats, Curl could be an intriguing addition to the Panthers’ defense under Ejiro Evero’s system, providing much-needed depth and experience to a secondary that has struggled in recent years.