What exactly do the Carolina Panthers have at WR in 2021?

The rest

• Keith Kirkwood, Brandon Zylstra, Ishmael Hyman, Marken Michel, Ventell Bryant.

Considering how much talent is atop the depth chart, it would be a big surprise if any fringe players forced their way into some substantial targets in 2021. The Carolina Panthers have five such players – seven with Omar Bayless and Micah Simon – who are looking for a roster spot and it’s going to take a monumental offseason for some of them to make the cut.

Keith Kirkwood went through some big injury problems during his first season with the team. But the coaching staff like him a lot and he’s going to at least get a shot at securing a role for himself this offseason.

The same applies to Brandon Zylstra, who also got a one-year extension despite a minimal contribution in 2020. He is a reliable pass-catcher who isn’t blessed with top-end speed, so making the roster is going to be tough within arguably the deepest positional group in Carolina.

Others hoping to force their way into the team’s plans are Ishmael Hyman, Marken Michel, and Ventell Bryant. However, their more realistic expectations might be earning a place on the practice squad due to their current status.

Each player mentioned will get a target or two in the preseason, especially in their final outing against the Pittsburgh Steelers. What they show in their big moment will define if they have any future in Carolina.