6 potential cut candidates the Panthers could target post-camp

Royce Freeman – RB

• Current team – Denver Broncos

Running back might not be the biggest need for the Carolina Panthers. Christian McCaffrey is set to make a full return to health and the team also spent a fourth-round pick on Chuba Hubbard as a potential replacement for Mike Davis.

Rodney Smith, Reggie Bonnafon, and Trenton Cannon are also fighting for depth chart positions in the coming weeks. So it will be interesting to see which backs Carolina takes with them into the season.

General manager Scott Fitterer said he’d be in on every deal when joining the Panthers. He’s been true to his word so far and if someone like Royce Freeman became available, it could force them into a change in direction.

Freeman’s chances of making the Denver Broncos appear bleak after reorganization brought in Javonte Williams and Mike Boone this spring. Melvin Gordon is also going to command his fair share of carries, so the former Oregon star needs an exceptional camp to convince the coaching staff to take four backs onto the roster.

Although Freeman generated just 35 touches in 2020, his production over the first two years of his career was pleasing.

If Freeman can get back to this sort of form, then he should be a better option than Smith, Cannon, or Bonnafon. But the Panthers could spend their money strengthening areas that come with far more concern.