This offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs underwent a major shakeup to their defensive line. After a breakout 2024 campaign, defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton departed in free agency. He signed a three-year deal worth $45 million with the Carolina Panthers.
Though his departure was a blow to Kansas City's defense, it seems that Wharton is already well-liked in Carolina. Ahead of their second day of OTAs, Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero heaped praise on the former Chief. According to Joe Person of The Athletic, Evero said, "He's got a presence about him, an aura about him. He's got a purpose in everything he does."
Former Chief Tershawn Wharton Already Receiving Praise From New Defensive Coordinator
Last season, Wharton recorded seven sacks, four quarterback hits, 22 QB hits, and 33 QB pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. So, it's not a surprise with how bad the Panthers' defense was in 2024 that they spent the money on the 26-year-old.
That said, Wharton also brought experience with a winning culture to Carolina. After being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Wharton was a contributor on two Super Bowl championship-winning teams in Kansas City.
Furthermore, sharing a locker room with Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones, two of the best at their positions in the NFL, showed Wharton what it takes to be great. That is exactly what a team looking to build a winning culture like Carolina needs.
Evero's comments prove that Wharton has already made a positive impact on the Panthers, and OTAs have only just begun.
Meanwhile, Kansas City will look to replace Wharton's production in 2025 with rookie Omar Norman-Lott. While that won't be an easy task, the Chiefs will need it if they want to return to the Super Bowl this upcoming season.
Nevertheless, Chiefs Kingdom will be cheering for Wharton to have success in Carolina, as long as they aren't playing each other.