The Carolina Panthers have potential at wide receiver, but a veteran free agent could help next season…
While the Carolina Panthers have recently drafted a few wide receivers, three within the first two picks over three of the last four years, none have emerged as true game changers. Just this past season, interim general manager Marty Hurney parted ways with former first-round draft pick Kelvin Benjamin midyear.
The move was shocking but appeared to open up the Panthers offense and led to the emergence of Devin Funchess as the team’s number one wide receiver. Although there remains untapped potential from the core group of receivers, quarterback Cam Newton desperately needs a receiver who can stretch the field to help him and the offense move the football more consistently.
New offensive coordinator Norv Turner is expected to enhance the performance but without the right pieces in place this group will continue to struggle. After an explosive 2015 season, in which Newton earned league MVP honors, the group has failed to produce similar results.
With youth presently on the roster, adding a veteran receiver who is already established in the NFL or set for a break out season could be a game changer for Turner and the offense. If so, the Panthers should consider one of the following options when the free agent signing period begins.
Allen Robinson – Jacksonville Jaguars
Allen Robinson is only 25-years old but has three complete seasons under his belt after missing last year with an ACL injury. While recovery obviously takes some time, as it did with Benjamin, the former Jaguars receiver may return to his explosive 2015 status.
If so, his ability to stretch the field and consistently move the chains could benefit the Carolina offense. Even a pedestrian 2016 season, by his standards, would have topped the numbers that Funchess provided for the Panthers last season – minus two touchdowns.
Robinson is a veteran on the verge of a potential breakout year and could come at a good price with his recent injury history.
Marqise Lee – Jacksonville Jaguars
Another Jacksonville receiver, Marqise Lee, will also be a free agent and should be on the Panthers radar. Although Lee has never recorded more than three touchdowns in any of his previous four seasons, the Jaguars receiver elevated his play toward the end of last season.
His dynamic playmaking capabilities and willingness to assist in the run game would be welcome additions to Turner’s new offensive style. The Panthers have historically been more successful with a speedster on the outside and opposite Funchess, Lee would provide that type of catalyst.
A true project with potential, Lee is almost too similar the number of Panthers wide receivers already in uniform although he does have more experience on game days.
Eric Decker – Tennessee Titans
At 31 years old, Eric Decker may be too much of a risk but his veteran leadership could potentially be useful with such a young core group of receivers. Decker has proven capable of producing in the NFL with three seasons of 10-plus touchdowns and over 50 scores in his career.
While he may not be the blazing field stretcher that many believe Carolina needs in order to be successful, he could provide a consistent chains mover and underneath option for Newton. In addition, there’s likely still enough fuel in the tank to surprise some teams.
He struggled in his one year with the Titans but given the right circumstances could revert to his original status and help a team next season.
John Brown – Arizona Cardinals
John Brown would be a good mix for Carolina of veteran status and playmaker capabilities, although there are some injury hesitations. If healthy, Brown could reboot his career with Newton in Carolina a la Ted Ginn, a few seasons back.
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Given his injury history, the price tag could be affordable as Brown looks for a team to take a chance on him. At 28 years old, the former Cardinals receiver has both regular season and playoff experience which could benefit him with the Panthers.
Depending on what the Panthers do during free agency will set the stage for a fast approaching NFL Draft in April. Given that former general manager Dave Gettleman failed to secure an impact player at the wide receiver position despite numerous attempts, electing to engage the services of a free agent may be in the team’s best interest this season.
At any rate, the top-tier receivers will likely be too expensive for the Panthers and even though they would be gaining experience, many of the current receivers available remain unproven.
Next: NFL Draft History - Wide Receivers
However, if provided an opportunity, they could thrive again leading to a win-win scenario for both involved parties.