Carolina Panthers: Is tight end Jordan Reed worth considering?
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers do not appear to have much depth at the tight end position, but is free-agent Jordan Reed a realistic free-agent option?
It came as something of a surprise when the Carolina Panthers did not draft a tight end in the 2020 NFL Draft. The franchise did pick up some players at the position in undrafted free agency. But it is unlikely any incoming college recruits will be able to make an instant impact.
The Panthers have high hopes for Ian Thomas in 2020. They have placed a lot of faith in the player to take a giant leap forward with more time on the field next term and this is reflected in their free-agent moves.
That being said, the organization could do with a veteran presence that can bring a sense of reliability to the position. The Panthers have a huge void to fill after prolific tight end Greg Olsen ended a long association with the franchise by penning one-year, $7 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks that included a $3.75 million signing bonus and $5.5 million guaranteed.
While most of the more talented free agents are now off the board, there is one intriguing proposition still available. Jordan Reed is looking for a new home after failing to earn a new deal with the Washington Redskins and is one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the league if firing on all cylinders.
He has had his fair share of injury problems in recent seasons, and it remains to be seen whether Reed can overcome the recent concussions that were a huge contributing factor behind his eventual departure from the Redskins.
If Reed can prove to another team that he is healthy and ready to go, then he poses an intriguing option and one that is well worth consideration.