3 elements that could hinder Teddy Bridgewater’s production
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers Reason No. 2: Tight end uncertainty
Although there is every possibility that Ian Thomas can fill the tight end void left by prolific veteran Greg Olsen. There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of alternative options for the Carolina Panthers if things do not go according to plan.
It is normally the case for every NFL team to have at least two tight ends that can make an impact in the passing game. The organization has doubled down on Thomas to produce the goods. But he is coming off a season where drops were a problem in what limited time that he saw the field.
His rookie campaign was enormously promising in Olsen’s absence. And the Panthers will be hoping he can revert to this with more experience in a prominent starting role.
It appears unlikely that Chris Manhertz, Temarrick Hemingway, or one of the undrafted free agents will make a lasting contribution. So this puts additional pressure on Thomas’ shoulders in 2020.
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Teddy Bridgewater will need a dependable target across the middle to ease his transition into the No. 1 role with the franchise. And any complications regarding the former fourth-round pick’s production could have huge ramifications on the team and their new signal-caller.
Carolina might opt to bring in another experienced body before the season gets underway. David Njoku has demanded a trade from the Cleveland Browns and would be an enticing option at the right price. A veteran free-agent such as Charley Clay could also help depth at the position in the short-term.