A look at some free agents the Carolina Panthers may sign when the new league year begins…
The Carolina Panthers look to be in a good spot heading into next year with plenty of talent returning from injury. However, with over $20 million now available in cap space, general manager Marty Hurney is in a position to make some moves.
Trading Daryl Worley and cutting Kurt Coleman definitely tilted the ship a bit but with plenty of defensive backs available in free agency, Carolina can easily balance everything out again.
Even with the addition of wide receiver Torrey Smith, the Panthers are still looking for receivers who can separate and stretch the field. Last season, the offense was abysmal in the deep passing game, with much of this due to the fact that their only real deep threat, Ted Ginn, left during last year’s off-season.
Along the offensive line, the Panthers will now be looking at a cheaper guard to replace Andrew Norwell, or they could elect to move second-year lineman Taylor Moton over to start on the inside.
There are many possibilities this off-season, but lets take a look at the best possible options for Carolina in free agency.
RB – Alfred Blue
If the Panthers are looking for another big running back, they might turn to Alfred Blue. The 6-foot-2, 225 pound athlete has surprising agility for his size and could replace Jonathan Stewart on some first down runs up the middle.
Blue offers really no threat as a receiver, but that’s why Carolina has Christian McCaffrey. Blue isn’t the best blocker but he could do a decent job on third-down when McCaffrey lines up as a receiver.
The former Houston Texans back should also come at a decent price point.
TE – Luke Willson
If the Panthers are looking for a less expensive back-up tight end option, they could sign Luke Willson from the Seattle Seahawks. The five-year veteran has a history of making big catches against Carolina.
Wilson has been inconsistent overall, but flashed potential using his big body to make catches and break tackles last season. He can also hold his own in the blocking game as this would be a great, cheap deal for the Panthers if they’re looking for a quality tight-end to back-up Greg Olsen.
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S – Eric Reid
After having a very strong rookie season on a dominant San Francisco 49ers defense, Eric Reid’s career has been all over the place. Injuries have caused some of his struggles, in addition to being on a poor performing team.
Reid flashes the ability to play very well against both the run and the pass and he has a great big build that can lay the boom on both receivers and tight ends. Reid’s value is very up in the air and tough to predict, so the Panthers could possibly get him for a price to their liking.
Reid should be interested in starting for a contender with a great front seven but his commitment to continued protest could leave some teams to shy away despite his skill set.
Next: NFL Combine Prospects Performances
With multiple positions in need of addressing through free agency and the draft, the Panthers have their work cut out for them. Expect the new league year to be an extremely busy time for not only Carolina but nearly every NFL team.