3 positions where signing a free-agent makes sense for the Panthers

Linebacker

The signing of Denzel Perryman in free agency made drafting a linebacker less of a need for the Carolina Panthers. The former Los Angeles Charger is expected to be a more stable presence at the second level than Tahir Whitehead, who proved to be nothing short of a disaster following Luke Kuechly’s decision to step away from the gridiron.

Perryman brings a ton of energy and looks far more of a complete package than anything else Carolina has at its disposal. Shaq Thompson and Jermaine Carter are expected to fill the outside linebacker roles, although the Panthers do have the option of getting recent free-agent signing Haason Reddick stood up and rushing the edge in obvious third-down situations after he generated 12.5 sacks for the Arizona Cardinals in 2020.

With that being said, the depth behind the starting trio is concerning.

Carolina brought in Northwestern product Paddy Fisher from the undrafted free-agent market. But whether he will be able to do enough to secure a spot on the 53-man roster remains to be seen.

Adding a veteran for quality depth could make all the difference, especially considering Perryman has suffered some injury problems throughout his career. Judging by what’s on the roster behind him, it would be a real problem if the player went down at any stage in 2021.