5 NFC South free agents the Panthers can purge in 2021

Jared Cook – TE

The Carolina Panthers need a pass-catching tight end this offseason. Ian Thomas simply didn’t do enough to generate any sort of confidence regarding his ability to replace Greg Olsen long-term and if they choose to go in a different direction with their early 2021 NFL Draft picks then an investment in someone like Jared Cook isn’t out of the question.

This would only be a short-term fix to a big problem.

But it would be a significant upgrade on anything Carolina currently has.

Cook’s athleticism is there for all to see. He is a matchup nightmare when firing on all cylinders and his red-zone presence is another vital element to his contribution that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Not having a reliable presence across the middle has hurt the Panthers and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater this season. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady will know first hand what Cook brings to the table after working as an assistant under Sean Payton before moving to LSU. So this insider knowledge could make all the difference when it comes to a potential move for the former third-round pick.

5 Seahawks who could follow new GM Scott Fitterer to Carolina

Could new Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer bring some Seattle Seahawks with him during the offseason after agreeing to a five-year deal?

Cook is 34-years-old now, but his 504 receiving yards and seven touchdowns during the 2020 regular season are still pretty good considering how many other playmakers in New Orleans demand targets.