What exactly do the Carolina Panthers have at WR in 2021?
By Dean Jones
Omar Bayless – Carolina Panthers WR
It’s really hard to gauge just what the Carolina Panthers have in Omar Bayless. The undrafted free agent made a big impact during training camp in 2020 and drew some rave reviews from players and coaching staff alike. But a serious knee injury suffered just before the start of competitive action meant he had to spend his entire rookie year in rehabilitation mode.
The Panthers obviously thought enough Bayless to keep him around in the hope he can fully recover and make a lasting contribution when healthy. Carolina hedged their bets in this regard by bringing in some extra competition onto the depth chart, so the former Arkansas State standout has it all to do once again this offseason.
Being around the team over the last year is a solid foundation from which to build for Bayless. His level of production in college was absolutely outstanding and if he can put this experience to good use, then it might end up with the player becoming part of their plans.
Whether Bayless can make a real go of things at the next level is undetermined.
Thankfully for the player and the Panthers, he’ll get a chance to showcase what he is truly capable of during the preseason, with three games to hone skills before their Week 1 opener against the New York Jets.
Bayless will be one of the wide receivers to keep a close eye on this offseason. But only time will tell as to whether he can produce the goods.