4 high-risk free agents the Panthers should consider in 2021

Which free agents on the market this spring who could be classed as “high-risk” might the Carolina Panthers target to boost their fortunes?

It’s hard to overstate just what an important offseason period this is for the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Matt Rhule got a pass for the team’s 5-11 record in 2020 given the magnitude of changes across the board both before and during the season. But now that everything seems to be in place from a personnel perspective off the field, it’s vital that strides are made on it.

Nobody will know that more than Rhule himself. He came into the NFL with a big reputation and owner David Tepper shelled out a substantial amount of money to bring him to the Panthers in the hope of becoming a legitimate Super Bowl contender once again.

The former Baylor man made a good start overall to his time at the next level and came across exceptionally positively during a year of unprecedented disruption thanks to COVID-19. But there is no room for sentiment and the decisions Rhule and others make in terms of recruitment in the coming weeks could have big repercussions.

Carolina Panthers must be smart in free agency.

With available finances at a premium due to significant gameday revenue losses in the current climate, the Panthers need to be shrewd with their incomings. However, there are plenty of players entering free agency who could help the team progress, even if they do come with “boom or bust” potential.

Again, this could make all the difference between success and failure.

Speaking of this topic, we picked out four high-risk free agents that the Panthers might consider bring into the organization in 2021.

Player No. 1

Jarrad Davis – LB

• 2020 team – Detroit Lions

Getting some additional options at linebacker is something for the Carolina Panthers to consider this offseason. Losing someone with the overall influence of Luke Kuechly was bound to come with a decrease in production and although Jermaine Carter did well when installed into the starting lineup, more might be needed to solidify the second level.

Jarrad Davis might have had his problems with injury and form in 2020, but he is a strong physical specimen who fits the sort of player Rhule sought during his first preparation period with the Panthers.

A change of scenery might do the player some good given how poor the Detroit Lions have been from a defensive standpoint in recent years. If Carolina decides that his injury problems are worth taking a chance on, he is going to be high on their list of options.