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Ex-Chiefs Starter on a $54 Million Deal Gives Off “Buyer’s Remorse” Vibes After an Ugly Preseason Debut

Charlotte, NC – Aug 16, 2025 — The Carolina Panthers paid big to bring in a former Kansas City Chiefs starter on a 3-year, $54 million contract, banking on immediate pass-rush juice. But Tershawn Wharton’s preseason debut raised eyebrows: a low grade, a spot among the game’s “losers” lists, and little in the way of steady pressure.

“It’s only preseason” — true. But with a major investment, optics are touchy: one flat night is enough to revive the lingering question often attached to Steve Spagnuolo’s Kansas City ecosystem: how much of the production travels, and how much was scheme-driven?


Why the Debut Looked “Cold”

  • Limited straight-up pressure: Wharton struggled to win 1-on-1s; inside counters didn’t land, leading to a low true-pressure rate.

  • Run-fit discipline issues: A few leverage/gap-integrity lapses suggest he’s not yet in sync with the new system’s demands.

  • Role shift: In KC, he benefited from stunts/twists, Chris Jones’s gravity, and aggressive one-gap usage. In Carolina, heavier 2-gap/5-tech asks may have muted his early strengths.


  • The Big Picture: Price, Fit, and the “Spags Effect”

    Carolina didn’t pay for a sack total; they paid for portable traits: first-step quickness, clean counters, and pocket disruption without heavy “games” around him. If those traits stand on their own, Wharton will bounce back. If the past production leaned heavily on Spags’ structure, the Panthers must adjust usage to “make Wharton” rather than waiting for Wharton to make everything happen solo.


    Plausible Adjustments (and Metrics to Track)

    • Dial up interior games (stunts/twists) on purpose; pair his rush with the unit’s alpha to bend protections.

  • More 3-tech/4i one-gap snaps in clear pass situations; reduce heavy 2-gap duties.

  • Process metrics over box score:

    • Alignment split (3-tech vs. 4i/5-tech)

  • Stunt/twist rate

  • Double-team rate

  • True pressure rate & run stops


  • Audience-Specific Takeaways

    For Panthers fans: Don’t overreact. This is the install period. Expect usage tweaks before judging talent.
    For Chiefs fans: Classic “Spags Tax” scenario — downstream rushers get paid elsewhere; KC keeps the machine.
    League-wide lens: A reminder to pay for portable traits, not just scheme-inflated production.


    Conclusion

    One preseason night won’t define a $54 million deal. But it sets a path: if Carolina tweaks the role to amplify Wharton’s best traits, sentiment can flip quickly. If not, the “buyer’s remorse” vibe will linger — not for lack of a single sack, but because of a gap between usage and what he does best.

    Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
    Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”