6 free agents who should be on the Panthers’ wish list in 2021

Hunter Henry – TE

Another position where the Carolina Panthers could do with an overhaul is at the tight end spot. Ian Thomas and Chris Manhertz haven’t been able to fill the void left by prolific veteran Greg Olsen and the organization might move on from both once the campaign concludes.

One intriguing free-agent option who might welcome a change of scenery is Hunter Henry. The Los Angeles Chargers surprisingly haven’t used his superb pass-catching skills much during the season so far as Justin Herbert’s preference for slinging the ball downfield has left him on the outside looking in more often than not.

That’s not to say Henry is an irrelevance. He’s brought in 33 receptions from 53 targets for 357 receiving yards and one touchdown. But whether an extension can be figured out between the player and the organization once his franchise tag expires is another matter.

This would be a significant addition for the Panthers, of that there is little doubt. If they could add a reliable catcher over the middle to an offense that is currently loaded with playmakers, then there is little any defense could do to counteract every threat.

Just what sort of money Henry wants to ultimately determine whether Carolina would be interested. He looks to have recovered fully from his serious knee injury and this will only enhance his chances of a big-money move.