5 free agents Panthers should target that nobody is talking about
By Dean Jones
Ameer Abdullah – RB
- 2020 team – Minnesota Vikings
If the Carolina Panthers can’t keep Mike Davis around after the veteran performed so well in Christian McCaffrey’s absence last season, they’d be wise to get another running back into the fold to compete with Trenton Cannon and Rodney Smith for the primary backup role.
Money is obviously going to play a huge factor in any potential recruits. But considering the All-Pro managed just three games in 2020 due to ankle, shoulder, and quad problems, acquiring someone who can step in and instantly help is crucial.
Even though Amer Abdullah isn’t the biggest name on the market, he fits the mold of what the Panthers could be after. He is a physical runner who can get yards between the tackles or off the edge, with his contribution on passing downs also eye-catching when given an opportunity.
This is something Abdullah didn’t get a lot of with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, which is to be expected with Dalvin Cook occupying the majority of carries. The former second-round pick accumulated just eight carries last time out and nine targets – eight of which he brought in for 58 receiving yards.
Hopefully, McCaffrey can return to the health of old and can become the focal point on offense once again. He is still one of the best in the business and the Panthers’ record may have looked far different had he been on the field on crucial drives down the stretch.
That being said, Abdullah has a lot of nice skills to call upon and could end up being a bargain if the Vikings don’t bring him back.