5 AFC South free-agents the Panthers could target in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which AFC South free agents might the Carolina Panthers target to boost their roster this spring?
There could be some serious activity in free agency regarding the Carolina Panthers, who cleared a significant amount of salary-cap space to make the necessary improvements in pursuit of becoming a possible postseason contender in 2021. Giving themselves a chance was just the start, but the decision-makers now need to come up with a concise plan that boosts all areas of the roster in the coming weeks.
One name that continues to be linked with the Panthers is Deshaun Watson, which would be a franchise-altering trade, to put it mildly. If owner David Tepper has his way then Carolina is going to pull out all the stops to make this dream a reality. But there are plenty of stumbling blocks before this sort of deal can get over the line.
Putting all their eggs in one basket could do more harm than good. But the Panthers simply have to shoot their shoot and at least not have the regret of not trying to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Much more than Watson will be needed to get Carolina back to prominence. Considering what it would take to land the signal-caller, free agency might be the best way to go with some serious draft capital going the other way.
With that being said, which AFC South free agents might the Panthers look to target this spring?
Player No. 1
Jonnu Smith – TE
- 2020 team – Tennessee Titans
The Carolina Panthers need to come up with a better solution to their tight end options. Ian Thomas just hasn’t done enough to convince people he is the long-term man to replace prolific veteran Greg Olsen after he departed last year and has now retired from the gridiron.
Jonnu Smith is a name that will surely be discussed. The veteran showed some tremendous promise despite playing in a run-first offense for the Tennessee Titans and there might be a lot more to come from him with additional targets elsewhere.
There doesn’t appear to be a significant amount of confidence in Smith and the Titans coming to terms on an extension this offseason. So the prospect of Carolina bringing him on board if the price is right is a real one.