4 possible 2020 trade deadline regrets for the Carolina Panthers
By Dean Jones
Not bringing in TE help
For the Carolina Panthers to get themselves to the next level, they must get better production from the tight end position. This was a key component to their success when Greg Olsen was part of the organization and his presence has been sorely missed since his free-agency departure to the Seattle Seahawks.
Ian Thomas and Chris Manhertz don’t seem to be the answer, at least where the passing game is concerned. Both players haven’t seen much in the ways of targets and although they’ve held their own in blocking situations, the current trend in the NFL demands much more from those operating at the spot.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady has a substantial amount of success utilizing tight ends at LSU. Trading for a more prominent weapon had the potential to take this offense to a completely different level that Thomas and Manhertz just haven’t been able to take them to.
Finding the right fit takes time. The Panthers were well within the rights to stick with what they’ve got due to dwindling playoff aspirations. But this will undoubtedly be a top priority for them in free agency or the 2021 NFL Draft if Thomas, in particular, doesn’t start living up to his enormous promise.