3 moves that would turn Carolina Panthers into playoff contenders
By Dean Jones
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.
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.