5 free agents Panthers should target that nobody is talking about

Which free agents should the Carolina Panthers target later this month that nobody is really talking about?

The same excitement and feeling of anticipation never change. Free agency is one of the offseason’s highlights across the NFL and the next few weeks are going to be important for the Carolina Panthers as they look to take that next step and become a playoff contender.

This is going to be a free agency like no other. COVID-19 has caused the salary-cap to shrink to a degree where significant sacrifices need to be made to comply with the new financial sum available. So veterans who might not normally find themselves on the scrapheap will be looking for a different environment to work in.

Carolina has put itself in a strong position to make additional moves in free agency after releasing some prominent roster members, with more anticipated before the frenzy starts later this month. The Panthers have a solid core from which to build a potential contender, but it’s going to take another offseason of exceptional recruitment both on the free-agent market and via the 2021 NFL Draft.

Carolina Panthers are ready to swoop for a new QB.

There is also the small matter of getting an upgrade on Teddy Bridgewater to consider. This has been priority No. 1 for the Panthers ever since the 2020 campaign concluded and had it not been for a late offer from the Los Angeles Rams, they might already have one in Matthew Stafford.

Deshaun Watson is the main target, but whether they’ll have enough to tempt the Houston Texans is another matter entirely. The draft has some exciting players at the position entering the league this year, although a trade-up to acquire one seems the most likely scenario if Carolina chose to go in this particular direction.

One thing is for sure, the Panthers have to get the majority of their moves right during a preparation period that is full of opportunity for the franchise to progress.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at five potential free agents to target that nobody is talking about.

Player No. 1

Josh Wells – OT

• 2020 team – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Even if the Carolina Panthers managed to snag themselves a stud left tackle to fill the void long-term this offseason, considering how little in the way of consistency Trenton Scott and Greg Little managed to put together during their time on the field in 2020, another veteran presence for the rotation wouldn’t be the worst move in the world.

Josh Wells now has a Super Bowl ring after being part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ memorable run last season. He performed well on a rotational basis that saw him accumulate 111 snaps, which is a role he’s accustomed to.

This is unlikely to cost the earth and there is every chance the Buccaneers want someone like Wells back to maintain stability on their depth chart. But improving all areas of starting and backup options on Carolina’s offensive line is absolutely imperative moving forward.