4 former Panthers who should be Hall of Famers before Julian Edelman

Which former Carolina Panthers players should be Pro Football Hall of Famers before wide receiver Julian Edelman, who announced his retirement this week?

Julian Edelman caused quite a stir when he officially retired from the NFL following a fantastic career with the New England Patriots. The wide receiver emerged from a seventh-round afterthought to one of the most dependable slot weapons in recent memory, with his ability to come through in the biggest moments during the postseason coming with three Super Bowl rings during his time with the franchise.

Father time waits for no man – unless your name is Tom Brady. Edelman has endured some significant injury problems over the last couple of seasons that eventually saw him call it a day earlier this week, but his legacy in New England will live on through the ages.

While this status is already secured, the debate as to whether Edelman should be a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame somewhere down the line has fractured the NFL community. This is reserved for only the truly elite who’ve made a lasting contribution, so whether the wideout falls into this category remains to be seen.

As Skip Bayless put it on Undisputed recently: “If I have to think twice about whether someone should be in the Hall of Fame, it’s a no.”

There are more professionals more deserving, of that there is little doubt. Even if they don’t have the silverware to show for it.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at four former Carolina Panthers players that should be Hall of Famers before Edelman.