5 free agents Panthers should target that nobody is talking about
By Dean Jones
Phillip Dorsett – WR
- 2020 team – Seattle Seahawks
A lingering foot injury prevented Phillip Dorsett from playing a down for the Seattle Seahawks in 2020 after arriving from the New England Patriots. However, the wide receiver is now fully fit and raring to go, so it could be a smart pickup by the Carolina Panthers that wouldn’t cost much in the way of expenditure.
Dorsett has been a consistent performer throughout his NFL career, albeit on a rotational basis. The player has a Super Bowl ring and the sort of polished route-running that the Panthers could definitely utilize if Curtis Samuel departs in free agency as expected.
Much will depend on whether the Seahawks want to keep him around. David Moore is another Seattle wideout who is looking for a new deal. So considering his age and upside, if it was a choice between the two then Dorsett will be looking for a new team this spring.
New general manager Scott Fitterer was part of the Seahawks front office that brought Dorsett to the organization last year. So he’ll know full well if the wideout is worth bringing on board.
Carolina did extend Brandon Zylstra and Keith Kirkwood, with undrafted free-agent Omar Bayless also making a welcome return from injury – so the need might not be great even if they lose a dynamic weapon like Samuel.
The Panthers will want more of an instant impact player who can assist all over the field. But someone with the experience and consistency of Dorsett is worth a look if the price is right.