5 free-agent tight ends the Panthers could sign in 2021

Jordan Reed

• 2020 team – San Francisco 49ers

If the Carolina Panthers are looking for a big-time veteran, then Jordan Reed would be a solid pickup. The prolific pass-catcher played a majority of his career in Washington before joining the San Francisco 49ers in free agency ahead of the 2020 campaign.

Fans may remember Reed from the altercation in 2016, where he was disqualified from the game after he punched Kurt Coleman after a play. If fans leave this in the past, he is actually a good receiving and blocking tight end.

Last season he finished the year with 231 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Even though Reed did not have a huge season, he did manage to start in one game and it’s worth noting that he hadn’t played since the 2018-19 season.

Over the course of his career, Reed has caught 355 passes for 3,602 yards and 28 touchdowns. He’s an ideal veteran that can start right away with the Panthers if they can get him on a small deal. Reed only made $1 million last season with the Niners, so Carolina should be able to get something agreed if they choose to go down this route.

Reed has been a member of the All-Rookie team, and he was voted to play in the Pro Bowl in 2016. A change of scenery and a guaranteed starting job would do a lot for him moving forward.