6 free agents in problem areas the Panthers should sign pre-camp

Avery Williamson – LB

• 2020 team – New York Jets/Pittsburgh Steelers

Denzel Perryman’s arrival in free agency could finally give the Carolina Panthers a successor to Luke Kuechly, although the linebacker’s production and overall influence will never truly be replaced.

This was an area of real weakness in 2020 in the immediate aftermath of Kuechly’s retirement. His intelligence and ability to be around the ball consistently weren’t replicate by Tahir Whitehead, who will go down as one of the worst signings made by the Panthers in recent memory.

One problem Perryman’s had throughout his career is staying healthy. If these complications resurface in Carolina, there doesn’t appear to be much in the way of depth at the inside linebacker position to come in and make an immediate impact.

Avery Williamson remains on the free-agent market and could fit the bill. The player wasn’t brought back by the Pittsburgh Steelers despite their decision to acquire him via trade from the New York Jets for a 2022 fifth-round pick prior to the 2020 deadline.

This would be a solid backup option for the Panthers and an upgrade on anything they currently have at their disposal if plans to move Jermaine Carter to the outside come to fruition.

Williamson isn’t going to demand much in the way of money at this stage of the preparation period. So it could be another shrewd bit of business by Carolina if they opt to go down this route.