Panthers sign veteran DT Taylor Stallworth

The Carolina Panthers have signed veteran defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth, his agent Brett Tessler tells NFL insider Dov Kleiman.

Stallworth has been a journeyman since arriving in the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018. The former South Carolina Gamecock has had stints with the Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints and most recently, the Kansas City Chiefs where he earned a Super Bowl ring — but was let go.

He finished the 2022 season appearing in one game for the Houston Texans, who re-signed Stallworth in March but was again let go before finding his way to Carolina.

The best two years of his career came while he was playing for the Colts. He played in all 16 games during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, compiling 26 total tackles and 3.5 sacks over that duration. Playing seven games across two franchises in 2022 stifled his production, but is looking to get back into form and prove his worth through at least a season in Carolina.

Across five seasons, Stallworth has put together a respectable resume, totaling 46 tackles (24 solo), 4.5 sacks and one pass defended.

He joins a 3-4 defense that will see the 6-foot-2, 300-pound DT move over and take some snaps at the nose guard. He joins a group featuring Shy Tuttle and Marquan McCall. The edges are rounded out by Derrick Brown and Henry Anderson, among others.

While the Panthers continue to build their defense — the offensive unit has been the talk of the offseason. Adding Bryce Young with the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, this season is expected to be a turning point in Carolina history. Maybe not right away — but Young is expected to be an elite quarterback once he reaches his prime in a few seasons.

“Young has been as advertised, living up to all the expectations the Panthers had when they selected him No. 1,” said Newton. “From his ability to process information, to making all the throws, to earning the respect of his teammates? He’s on a clear path to be the Week 1 starter.”

“He already has been elevated to QB1 over Andy Dalton, a clear sign the staff and teammates have confidence in him,” Newton wrote.

Stallworth might be a small piece to a much larger puzzle, but the Panthers are making winning moves accordingly. They have their new franchise quarterback, and now it’s important to build the veteran rapport in the locker room around him — regardless of position.