5 free agents who could immediately start for the Carolina Panthers

Sheldon Richardson – DT

• 2020 team – Cleveland Browns

The Carolina Panthers have made strides and have improved their defensive line a lot this offseason. The additions of Hasson Reddick, Morgan Fox, and DaQuan Jones have the potential to transform the team’s pass-rush and run-stopping defense right from the outset.

However, Sheldon Richardson could be an elite factor that would change the Panthers’ defensive line after he was released by the Cleveland Browns. Carolina’s front currently has some good quality talent, but the defensive tackle would be a force next to Derrick Brown.

The one-time Pro Bowler has played for four teams over his eight-year stint, and he’s amassed 31 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and 58 tackles for loss. Richardson has also started 118 games in his career, making him a great potential veteran starter for the Panthers.

Carolina already has some strength and quickness on their line. But Richardson would bring even more.

His ability to come off the line in an explosive manner would make him a prime candidate to be double-teamed, which gives Brian Burns and Derrick Brown the chance to get into the backfield even more prominently.

Richardson might not be a cheap option, but the Panthers would be getting a steal if they pick him up on a good price. It should also be mentioned that Scott Fitterer and Richardson have a history, as they both were with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017.