5 free agency bargains the Carolina Panthers should add in 2021
By Dean Jones
Trey Burton – TE
The lack of production from Ian Thomas was one of the more disappointing elements of the season for the Carolina Panthers. He wasn’t involved nearly as much as everybody hoped with Greg Olsen moving on in free agency and it’s clear that the decision-makers need to cast their eye on alternative options in the coming weeks.
If the right sort of prospect doesn’t come along in the 2021 NFL Draft – or the Panthers pass on Florida’s potential stud Kyle Pitts in the first round – then someone like Trey Burton should be on the shortlist. The veteran enjoyed a fine season with the Indianapolis Colts in a limited role and more than proved he has something left in the tank for another deal.
That is unlikely to come with his current team. The Colts have Jack Doyle and emerging player Mo Alie-Cox to call upon, leaving Burton on the outside looking in regarding his desire for more playing time.
Burton finished the 2020 season with 28 receptions for 250 receiving yards and three touchdowns from 13 games – four of which he started. His reliable catching presence in the red zone was a notable highlight and this is something Carolina simply didn’t get from Thomas or Chris Manthertz during the campaign.
This move is unlikely to cost the earth, which is another intriguing factor that shouldn’t be overlooked and would allow the Panthers to allocate further funds elsewhere.