5 free agents the Panthers should sign with Tre Boston savings

Earl Thomas – S

This would be a huge gamble.

But the bigger the risk, the greater the reward.

Earl Thomas didn’t play a down in 2020 after an altercation resulted in his release from the Baltimore Ravens before competitive action got underway.

Just what this has done to his reputation across league circles is unclear. But this might be an area of need for the Carolina Panthers and if the three-time All-Pro is anything like the player of old, it could help the safety group considerably.

If the Panthers did explore this potential option, there would be things they need to be sure of first.

1. That Thomas is going to help, not hinder, the locker room atmosphere.
2. The player has something left to give on the field.
3. Thomas is willing to accept a potentially lesser role.

If Thomas ticks all these boxes and there is no guaranteed money on his deal before the season opener, then this isn’t the worst idea in the world by any stretch of the imagination.

Imagine a partnership between Thomas and Jeremy Chinn on the backend if the veteran is able to reach the sort of level displayed throughout a prolific career so far. It would strike fear into any team in the league.

The former Texas star was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks at a time when Scott Fitterer was director of college scouting. This gives the Panthers a solid reference about his character in any potential move and he might be available for a bargain price with such a big point to prove.