The Carolina Panthers did not take a running back to backup Christian McCaffrey in the 2020 NFL Draft, but which free-agent veterans should they consider?
It is clear for all to see that the Carolina Panthers are going to be heavily reliant on All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey in 2020. The dual-threat player penned a new deal with the franchise this offseason that ties him to the organization until 2025 and makes him the highest-paid at the position in NFL history.
They were unable to add any considerable depth at running back during what proved to be a historic series of defensive picks from the Panthers. While McCaffrey is going to carry the load, it would be prudent for the decision-makers to explore a veteran option that has the ability to take some of the pressure off their prized asset and keep him fresh for as long as possible.
The temptation to give McCaffrey all the touches he wants next season will be all too great. But with this comes a high risk of injury and the Panthers will want their money’s worth long-term after giving the player $64 million over a four-year period.
Former Minnesota standout Rodney Smith did come on board as an undrafted free agent and has some potential. However, he will have to work hard to make the roster and might not be in a position to make a notable contribution right away.
The Panthers also have Reggie Bonnafon, who had an encouraging rookie season with the limited time he saw the field. The Louisville product got 16 carries in 2019 and managed to attain 116 yards and a touchdown. This represented an impressive yards-per-carry average of 7.3 and there is every chance he can take a leap forward in next season.
If the Panthers do decide to bring in a veteran free agent, which options warrant the most consideration?
Carolina Panthers option No. 1: Devonta Freeman
It is clear the Atlanta Falcons were desperate to part ways with Devonta Freeman. They took a $6 million salary-cap hit to avoid paying him $6.5 million in 2020.
Although he is clearly regressed last season, he represents an intriguing option for the Carolina Panthers as a rotational back that can take some of the pressure off Christian McCaffrey in short-yardage situations.
A series of injuries have taken away some of Freeman’s explosiveness. But in addition to his ability to gain yards between the tackles, the player is also a superb asset catching the ball out of the backfield.
This double-threat approach is something the Panthers utilize heavily. If McCaffrey were to go down with an injury, Freeman could fill in with virtually the same sort of playbook at the team’s disposal.
The former fourth-round pick out of Florida State has gone over 1,000 yards rushing twice in his career and gained 656 on the ground in 2019 from 184 carries. Given how much he is still going to make from the Falcons in 2020, it could be a financially viable option for the Panthers.
This would be welcome as they have plenty of cap constraints of their own, so if the Panthers choose to go down this particular route then Freeman should be high on their shortlist.
Carolina Panthers option No. 2: Jonathan Williams
Former Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Williams is widely regarded as one of the best reserve backs in the NFL. He showed flashes of his ability in the absence of Marlon Mack last season and would serve as a primary threat that could complement Christian McCaffrey considerably.
It is somewhat surprising that Williams has not yet been picked up by another franchise given his level of production since entering the league as a fifth-round pick out of Arkansas in 2016. Williams gained 235 yards from 49 carries for the Colts last season. This included one touchdown and a yards-per-carry average of 4.8.
He made just $720,000 in base salary during the previous campaign and is sure to be looking for an increase in that figure going forward. However, the longer he remains a free agent, the chances of gaining a multi-million-dollar deal diminish. If Williams is willing to accept a short-term deal then that could put the Carolina Panthers in play.
Williams has no trouble gaining yards between the tackles and also had a turn of foot to pull him away on the edge. The player is a nice complimentary piece and it still young enough at 26-years-of-age to fit into new head coach Matt Rhule’s vision for the future in Carolina.
Providing the price is a bargain-basement one, Williams would be an upgrade to the Panthers’ reserve options.
Carolina Panthers option No. 3: Carlos Hyde
Carlos Hyde did manage to get over 1,000 yards for the Houston Texans last season. But it was clear his days as a prolonged starter are behind him and it was inevitable both parties went their separate ways.
While Hyde might not be good enough to carry the load for a franchise going forward. What he would give the Panthers is a consistent presence on short-yardage situations who can take this part of the game out of the responsibility of Christian McCaffrey.
Taking Hyde on a one-year ‘prove-it’ deal would be beneficial for both parties. It would keep the player on an NFL roster and could even prolong his career if he performs well when called upon.
The need for more than just one running back is essential in today’s NFL. Hyde has rushed for 4,372 yards, 32 touchdowns, and secured a yards-per-carry average of 4.1 during his career. He has also impacted the passing game on his way to 129 receptions, 709 yards, and three touchdowns.
Hyde did have trouble keeping hold of the football last season with four fumbles to his name. It is evident the former second-round pick wouldn’t break the bank and might even be willing to accept a veterans’ minimum given the relative lack of interest in securing his services.