5 free-agent LBs for the Panthers to consider after Shaq Thompson scare
By Dean Jones
Which linebackers still remaining on the free-agent market could the Carolina Panthers bring in to boost their concerning depth in 2021?
There was a real scare for the Carolina Panthers at Back Together Saturday when Shaq Thompson left practice early due to some tightness which isn’t deemed serious. The linebacker unit can ill-afford any prominent player missing an extended period of time, with the lack of quality options on the depth chart something that could have an adverse impact on the team’s chances in 2021.
Denzel Perryman slotted in for Thompson, who seems to be a backup to Jermaine Carter at the moment. The likes of Frankie Luvu, Christian Miller, and even undrafted free-agent Paddy Fisher are all fancying their chances of making the roster.
Not exactly the strongest set of backups operating in the league.
One thing the Panthers do have is space salary-cap space if they choose to explore the possibility of additional reinforcements. According to Over the Cap, the organization has $23.93 million in financial resources available, which could lead to some moves before their Week 1 opener against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium.
General manager Scott Fitterer stated that the Panthers are always looking for ways to strengthen. So it wouldn’t be a big surprise to see extra competition come in and there are some intriguing names still looking for a new home before competitive action begins.
With this in mind, here are five free-agent linebackers the Panthers should take a look at to boost depth after the Thompson’s problem on Saturday evening.