4 NFC North free agents for the Panthers to consider in 2021
By Dean Jones
Mike Boone – RB
- 2020 team – Minnesota Vikings
If there was one big takeaway from the 2020 season, it’s that the Carolina Panthers need a strong backup option behind Christian McCaffrey. The face of the franchise appeared in just three games during the season thanks to ankle, shoulder, and quad problems, which left Mike Davis slotting in and doing a tremendous job in his absence.
This might see Davis attract the sort of money Carolina cannot afford when the market opens, which leaves them with Trenton Cannon, Reggie Bonnafon, and Rodney Smith as candidates to back up McCaffrey in 2021.
Whether any of these players can be relied upon to shoulder the load if the All-Pro is forced to miss any more time is up for debate. If the Panthers decide that another option is worth bringing in at a bargain price, then they should look in the direction of Mike Boone.
The running back hasn’t seen much in the way of touches behind stud Dalvin Cook with the Minnesota Vikings. But he boasts a career average of 5.3 yards-per-carry that indicates he is capable of filling in at a moment’s notice and making a difference.
Boone is also a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield, which is essential in Joe Brady’s offensive scheme. This isn’t going to break the bank by any stretch of the imagination and the potential move is sure to interest the former Cincinnati star as he looks for more in the ways of touches than he’s received in Minnesota.