Carolina Panthers: Remaining free agent options they need to sign

Even though the Carolina Panthers have the NFL Draft on the horizon, it would be wise of them to consider taking a chance on some free agent options beforehand.

Free agency, for the most part, is in the books as there are still a few viable options left that the Carolina Panthers should consider signing. They’ve mostly focused on the offensive side of the ball so far this offseason but still have some key areas to add depth to.

With the 2020 NFL Draft on the horizon, all signs point that the Panthers will heavily focus on defense. Heck, even general manager Marty Hurney confirmed that defense is high on the priority list earlier this week. Before the Panthers are on the clock, however, there are still some decent free agents available that would make sense to sign to add some much-needed depth to the roster.

Since the focus appears to be on defense, defensive end Jabaal Sheard would make a ton of sense for the Panthers. He could be brought in as a low-risk/high reward kind of player as his versatility would be great to see on defense. He has starting experience as a defensive end and linebacker which would only help the cause. In his career, Sheard has totaled 387 tackles, 51.5 sacks, and 13 forced fumbles as he can still contribute when his number is called.

The Carolina Panthers should add more talent via free agency

More from Cat Crave

Continuing on the defensive side of things, another free agent worth signing by the Panthers would be cornerback Logan Ryan. Yes, Ryan will likely cost a bit more than other free agents the Panthers need to sign here but he’d be worth every penny.

Ryan would be an instant starter alongside Donte Jackson and a great mentor on the team as the Panthers should also draft two new cornerbacks. Ryan is coming off his best year yet and can continue the momentum on a team ready to give him a fresh start to do what he does best.

Moving on to the offensive line, the Panthers need help when it comes to their guard situation. The amount of experience offensive guard Mike Iupati brings to the table would be excellent to have as a building block. He excels as a run blocker and in pass protection which will open things up nicely for running back Christian McCaffrey.

Best of all, with a new quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater, someone like Iupati would protect him nicely as, during his last few years starting, Iupati very rarely allowed any sacks. The Panthers’ offensive line will instantly be better if they were to sign Iupati and then draft another offensive guard as his protege to develop.

Finally, one more free agent that would make a ton of sense to sign via free agency is tight end Delanie Walker. Even though he’s likely entering the last year or two in the pros, he’d be a great locker room presence to have for all the young tight ends currently on the roster. The Panthers are looking to get younger in every aspect of the roster but it’s imperative they also have veteran players ready to be there for all these young players. It will help develop them the right way and when it comes to tight ends, Walker would thrive in a rotational role and mentor on the sidelines.

Hot. Panthers should not dare consider trading up in NFL Draft. light

Overall, all the remaining free agents that make sense for the Panthers could be worth bringing in as they rebuild for a brighter future. They obviously might not have all the salary cap room to make every one of these moves become reality but even one or two off this list could make a huge difference. Especially as the Panthers prepare for the upcoming season as these are all veterans with a lot left to prove.

Home/Panthers Free Agency