4 bargain free agents who could help the Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers free-agent target No. 1: Clay Matthews (OLB)

There was once a time when Clay Matthews was regarded as the NFL’s best outside linebacker. The player has been a destructive force throughout his career. And although he is now in the twilight of his time as a professional. His experience and production could be beneficial to the young defense of the Carolina Panthers.

It is unlikely that Matthews would command a large salary at this stage of his career. He hasn’t generated a great deal of interest on the free-agent market. And the closer things get to week one, the less chance the former first-round pick out of USC has of making a 53-man roster.

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Matthews has been incredibly fun to watch in recent seasons. He was always around the ball during his prolific stint with the Green Bay Packers. And even though his form dipped slightly over his two-year stay with the Los Angeles Rams. It was still full of memorable moments.

Placing Matthews alongside Shaq Thompson at outside linebacker would give the Panthers two players who can make things happen. It would also give the organization an additional defensive leader in the short-term. This would also be welcome given the number of veteran departures since the 2019 campaign concluded.

The Panthers will give Jermaine Carter every chance to make the spot his own during training camp. And they also have the option of using second-rounder Yetur Gross-Matos at the spot in pass-rushing situations.

If Carter fails to show promise during camp, then Carolina might look to bring someone like Matthews to plug the gap short-term.