5 early free agents on offense for the Panthers to target in 2022
By Dean Jones
Mike Gesicki – TE
- 2021 team – Miami Dolphins
Dan Arnold is going to get a chance to prove he can become the long-term replacement for Greg Olsen at the tight end spot. The Carolina Panthers probably regretted their decision to let the former Pro Bowler leave judging by the lack of production from Ian Thomas, so their free-agent signing will be hoping to make a bigger splash and help an offense littered with talent.
There is also plenty of hope the Carolina Panthers have a complete prospect in third-round selection Tommy Tremble, who might be a work in progress catching the ball but can no doubt provide immediate assistance as a blocker while getting other areas of his game up to speed.
If Arnold doesn’t reach the required targets, then some talent could be available in free agency next season. One such player is Mike Gesicki, who broke out for the Miami Dolphins in 2020 and the best could still be to come from the former second-round pick, who has improved steadily with each passing year.
Gesicki has a tremendous amount going for him. He is a smooth route-runner who can get open quickly either across the middle or in the red zone, providing the assured hands that become a quarterback’s best friend in no time at all.
Improved play under center from Tua Tagovailoa has the potential to take Gesicki’s game to new heights. This would also add some substantial dollars to his next contract and there will be a host of teams queuing up to secure the Penn State product’s services.