5 free-agent tight ends the Panthers could sign in 2021
Hunter Henry
2020 team – Los Angeles Chargers
As of now, Hunter Henry seems like the most talented option to go with if the Carolina Panthers are intent on bringing in a new tight end this offseason. After tearing his ACL in 2018, the player has picked up 1,265 receiving yards and nine touchdowns over the past two years.
He also suffered a tibia plateau fracture, which kept him out the last four games of last season and is worth closer examination before potentially making an offer.
Henry is set to be the biggest free-agent tight end in the league right now. No matter where he goes, his capability as a prominent starter is there for all to see.
Like Greg Olsen, Henry can make great catches in clutch moments of the game. This reliability was sorely missed by the Panthers in 2020 and was especially evident in third-down situations.
Henry has a career catch percentage of 69 percent, making him another weapon the Panthers can use and depend on.
The only bad thing about Henry is what he’s projected to make if he signs with a team. If the Panthers target him, they could look at spending over $10 million per year, according to Spotrac. This would take a significant amount of money out of Carolina’s cap space and might put them off.
The Panthers will be taking a gamble if they sign Henry, but he has the ability to make an immediate impact as a starter. However, if Carolina wants some guaranteed improvement from the position, then he should be high on the shortlist.