Panthers may finally have the key to unlocking young defender

[ASFN Admin]

The Carolina Panthers' addition of Devin Lloyd could end up elevating not one, but both of their inside linebacker spots.

Team reporter Darin Gantt, in his regular Ask The Old Guy series over on Panthers.com, recently answered some fan questions. Among them was an inquiry on the outlook for third-year 'backer Trevin Wallace, who largely disappointed through his first two NFL seasons.

Gantt laid out a promising theory, opining that the signing of Lloyd could elevate Wallace's game:

Lloyd has the potential to be a difference maker here — and no disrespect to any previous linebackers here — but to be the kind of guy who makes the players around him better in a way that no one has done since Kuechly retired.

On his own, Wallace has shown he can be a solid player; he's fast, smart, and he doesn't mind sticking a shoulder into someone. And now that he's got Lloyd next to him, we have the opportunity to see the best version of him. Which he needs to bring, because this roster is more competitive than recent years, and guys like Claudin Cherelus and Bam Martin-Scott are trying to get on the field as well.

Lloyd, a former first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, is fresh off the first Pro Bowl campaign of his career—where he posted 81 combined tackles along with career highs in interceptions (five) and quarterback hits (10). He signed on with Carolina to the tune of a three-year, $42 million pact this spring.

Wallace, a third-round pick of the Panthers from 2024, has yet to hit his stride. Along with his struggles in stopping the run, the 23-year-old had both of his seasons cut short due to shoulder injuries.

Unfortunately for Wallace, the second setback is lingering—as he has yet to be cleared for contact. But when he is, his best chance to make a real impact could be ahead (and beside) of him.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers' signing of LB Devin Lloyd could help unlock Trevin Wallace

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