Find a playmaking TE
Not having a reliable pass-catching presence across the middle from the tight end spot is something that really hurt the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Greg Olsen’s departure to the Seattle Seahawks left a gaping hole that has yet to be filled and although the organization did make a nice addition with the arrival of Dan Arnold, they need something a little more dynamic to improve their chances.
When Olsen was firing on all cylinders in the mid-2010s, the Panthers were at the peak of their powers. Ian Thomas just isn’t going to cut it as a starter based on his production and lack of involvement in 2020. So it’s vital Carolina explores every avenue with a view to improving this area of the field.
This bears more significance when one considers their most reliable third-down target last season – Curtis Samuel – is now on the Washington Football Team. Whether the Panthers decide to take a top draft pick such as Kyle Pitts or Brevin Jordan or explore a potential trade for someone like David Njoku or Zach Ertz is unclear. But if they can find the right guy, it will make all the difference.
3 reasons Sam Darnold will shine for the Carolina Panthers
Sam Darnold has been traded to the Carolina Panthers for multiple draft picks, and the quarterback can be a big success in 2021 and beyond.
Arnold will assist them, of that there is little doubt. But almost every good NFL team contenting for the title now has a mismatch tight end that can be an X-factor between winning and losing.