4 post-trade deadline free agents the Carolina Panthers should call

Earl Thomas – S

The Carolina Panthers were dealt a real blow when Juston Burris went down with a rib injury. The free-agent signing has progressed well during his time on the field and his loss has been felt during their recent slump.

Whether Carolina’s coaching staff decide to continue with undrafted rookie Sam Franklin opposite Tre Boston is up for debate. The safety has done well in a daunting situation but with some exceptional passing attacks coming up it might be worth bringing in a proven veteran who is looking to prove the doubters wrong.

Earl Thomas was released by the Baltimore Ravens following an altercation with teammate Chuck Clark and has been without another organization ever since. The three-time All-Pro’s talent on the field is undeniable, but there appears to be plenty who are unwilling to gamble on just what sort of impact the player might have within the locker room.

Form a player of Thomas’ caliber to still be looking for work is a damning indictment of how he is perceived across the league. But providing the Panthers are confident he wouldn’t become an unwelcome distraction then it is an option worth discussing, at the very least.

Having Thomas on the backend would be highly beneficial. It would also give Franklin another strong veteran to learn from in his pursuit of forging a successful career at the next level.