4 major differences to expect from the Panthers offense in 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers getting more tight end involvement
One of the glaring omissions from an offensive standpoint in 2020 was the distinct lack of production from the tight end position. The Carolina Panthers relied heavily on this area of the field during the days of Greg Olsen, but their first season without the recently retired Pro Bowler came with an almost non-existent contribution from those that remained on the depth chart.
The Panthers recognized the need to get better and acted with conviction. Something we saw plenty from the front office during another busy period of recruitment during free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.
Although Ian Thomas was kept on the roster heading into the final year of his deal, the former Indiana star now faces a real fight for his future after Carolina acquired Dan Arnold from the Arizona Cardinals and allocated a third-round pick on Notre Dame product Tommy Tremble.
Arnold looks to be a perfect fit for the Panthers. He has superb ball skills and is a red-zone mismatch, which is sure to be utilized heavily by Joe Brady next season if his efforts at LSU were any indication.
Although he’s considered a work in progress, Tremble should also be able to make his presence felt. The rookie might even become the complete tight end when it’s all said and done.
This would add yet another string to the bow of an offense that has plenty going for it heading into the upcoming campaign. Every contending team needs solid production from its tight ends and hopefully, things should start trending on an upward curve in Carolina once again.