5 underrated free agents the Panthers could target before 2021 camp
By Dean Jones
Patrick Onwuasor – LB
- 2020 team – New York Jets
Patrick Onwuasor’s promising young career is officially at a crossroads after a serious injury restricted the linebacker to just eight snaps in 2020. The New York Jets suffered as a result and although they’ve been linked with bringing the player back, this hasn’t resulted in anything concrete heading into camp.
There were high hopes for Onwuasor following a great start to his career with the Baltimore Ravens. He was a solid performer at the second level over a three-year period, even generating 5.5 sacks from the interior in 2018.
Just where things go from here where Onwuasor is concerned remains to be seen. The athleticism and talent are there for all to see, but he’ll need to prove his fitness to anybody looking to bring him on board.
The Carolina Panthers solidified their linebacker options with the addition of Denzel Perryman. However, should the former second-round pick miss time at any stage, the options behind him on the depth chart are slim.
Onwuasor would change all that in an instant. And after so long away from the gridiron, the player could be willing to accept a backup role in the pursuit of something bigger once he gets back in the groove.
Getting a close look at Onwuasor wouldn’t hurt and it could be a shrewd bit of business by the Panthers if he returns to the form of old.