5 free agency bargains the Carolina Panthers should add in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which bargain free agents should the Carolina Panthers add in 2021?
What occurs in the coming weeks for the Carolina Panthers will go a long way to determining whether they can enter the playoff discussion in 2021. They made a promising start overall under new head coach Matt Rhule – even if their 5-11 record doesn’t show it – but it is evident the powers that be have to get their recruitment right to make further strides next time around.
With a new general manager set to be appointed in the coming days, there could be some substantial player turnover for the second straight year in Carolina. The Panthers have 25 players out of contract and it’s unlikely many of them will be brought back. So they are facing the prospect of rebuilding a roster with financial resources coming down due to COVID-19 revenue losses.
Rhule did not hide the importance of the offseason period for the Panthers, which he said was one of the most crucial in franchise history. The former Baylor man has a strong spine of exciting players to build around and it’s vital he brings in the right sort of individuals who won’t compromise their ability to progress further once the salary-cap rises again in 2022.
There are plenty of free agents available who could help Carolina next season. Here are five players who might represent some high value.
Player No. 1
Cole Toner – OG
The Carolina Panthers could be set for a complete makeover of their offensive line this offseason. This bears even more significance on the interior, with a strong case to be made for the organization moving on from Chris Reed, John Miller, and Matt Paradis all in one go.
Given the financial restrictions facing the Panthers, they might have to look towards the 2021 NFL Draft or some bargain-basement free agents to boost depth. Cole Toner fits the bill in this regard and caught the eye in limited action with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020, not conceding a sack in 295 snaps.
The former fifth-round pick out of Harvard could get even better from a performance perspective with more time on the field. Toner would also welcome the chance to attain a more prominent starting opportunity elsewhere.