4 free agents the Panthers should monitor on Championship Sunday
By Dean Jones
Rakeem Nunez-Roches – DT
It does appear as if Vita Vea will be back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their crunch clash at the Packers to decide the NFC’s Super Bowl representative. But considering how long the defensive tackle has been missing from action, it should still see Rakeem Nunez-Roches see his fair share of reps on the field.
Nunez-Roches has been solid if not spectacular in Vea’s absence.
His limitations are there for all to see. But if the Carolina Panthers are looking to boost their depth on the defensive front in free agency, then taking a good look at the Southern Mississippi product wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
He has worked incredibly hard to emerge from a sixth-round afterthought into an NFL starter. Nunez-Roches has the versatility to play anywhere on the line of scrimmage – which is another thing working in his favor – and this is always a hot commodity for any team looking to strengthen options in this area of the field.
Carolina does appear to be just a couple of pieces short of having a defense that can be considered among the NFL’s best. Getting their recruitment right this offseason will play a big part in any improvements and if Nunez-Roches can show his capabilities when he is on the field, then he might well be an option worth a good look when it’s time to discuss potential incomings.