5 underrated free agents the Panthers could target before 2021 camp
By Dean Jones
T.J. Yeldon – RB
- 2020 team – Buffalo Bills
Much like the defensive end position, running back is something that the Carolina Panthers might be set with heading into training camp. Christian McCaffrey will lead from the front, with the likes of fourth-round pick Chuba Hubbard, Rodney Smith, Trenton Cannon, and Reggie Bonnafon looking for spots on the team.
However, one only has to look to last season and see just what can go wrong if McCaffrey is forced to miss a considerable period of time through injury.
Mike Davis performed admirably in the All-Pro’s absence in 2020. But he is now on the Atlanta Falcons and the Panthers might need a veteran presence with a little more production rather than rely on younger guys to come through with little experience at the next level.
Someone like T.J. Yeldon might provide this sort of stability. The Alabama product looked like a potential star during a rookie year where he gained 740 rushing yards for the Jacksonville Jaguars. But he hasn’t been able to reach these heights since.
Yeldon spent the last two seasons with the Buffalo Bills and was used sparingly. There isn’t a great deal of tread on the tires – which is a bonus – and this would be a nice stop-gap behind McCaffrey and Hubbard if the worst-case scenario happened to No. 22 at any stage.