4 realistic free agents for the Panthers to target in 2021
By Dean Jones
Denzel Perryman – LB
- 2020 team – Los Angeles Chargers
Things did improve at the second level for the Carolina Panthers once they removed free-agent signing Tahir Whitehead from the starting lineup in favor of Jermaine Carter. Replacing someone like Luke Kuechly was never going to be easy, but it’s hard to look at production from the inside linebacker position and not think some quality reinforcements are needed.
Carter did look like he could be a viable option and will get the chance to prove his worth once again when OTAs and training cam being. The player didn’t get off to the best of starts with head coach Matt Rhule due to a personality clash, which left him on the outside looking in until there was no alternative other than to send Whitehead to the sidelines.
If the Panthers want to boost depth at the position that isn’t going to cost the earth, then someone like Denzel Perryman is well worth a look. The former second-round pick has produced some encouraging displays on a rotational basis during his spell with the Los Angeles Chargers and there is nothing to stop the veteran from bringing his game on even more with more responsibility on his shoulders.
Perryman’s outstanding production in 2020 earned him a lofty 83.3 grade from Pro Football Focus. So he will be looking to build on this next time around with a more prominent role in Los Angeles or elsewhere.
The player has all the energy and physicality that Carolina sought heavily during their recruitment process last year and a move for Perryman cannot be ruled out.