
Canales backs Evero as Panthers ride defensive turn into offseason
Carolina’s defense improved from a league-worst 1 year ago to mid‑pack this season, prompting coach Dave Canales to say he’ll absolutely retain defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero while continuing to evolve the offense. As the Panthers head into the offseason, Canales will pursue improvements, keep calling plays, and evaluate free agents like Rico Dowdle (a 1,000-yard rusher) and Austin Corbett, while developing a young receiving corps and emphasizing accountability after the season-ending playoff loss to the Rams.











