5 free agents under 25-years-old the Panthers could sign in 2021
By Dean Jones
Austin Mack – WR (ERFA)
- 2020 team – New York Giants
It doesn’t appear as if the Carolina Panthers will be able to keep hold of Curtis Samuel in free agency. The talented wide receiver enjoyed a career year in 2020 that may have priced the organization out of extending the player, with priority rightfully going to stud right tackle Taylor Moton. Carolina extended Keith Kirkwood and Brandon Zylstra, with the impending return of undrafted free-agent Omar Bayles from injury another exciting element that could bring some surprising results in 2021. However, getting another young recruit with upside might be worth considering providing finances allow. Someone like Austin Mack is an intriguing proposition following a couple of memorable moments with the
last season and this experience will do him the world of good as he looks to make further strides next time around. Whether that will be with the Giants or not remains to be seen.
Mack is an early restricted free-agent, so the opportunity will be there to give the wideout another short-term deal. But if the Panthers identify the former Ohio State prospect as a player of interest, it might tempt him away from MetLife Stadium. The wideout is a physically imposing receiver that might still be scratching the surface of what he’s capable of. Mack’s physicality and competitive edge are two traits head coach Matt Rhule loves, so bringing him in to compete makes a ton of sense.