5 free-agent LBs for the Panthers to consider after Shaq Thompson scare
By Dean Jones
B.J. Goodson
- 2020 team – Cleveland Browns
One of the more eye-catching names still sitting in free agency is B.J. Goodson. The versatile linebacker performed well for the Cleveland Browns in 2020 without doing enough to be brought back and he is no stranger to the Carolinas having played his college football at Clemson en route to becoming a fourth-round selection in 2016.
Goodson spent his first three seasons with the New York Giants before moving on to the Green Bay Packers. He can operate on the interior or as an outsider linebacker should the opportunity arise, which is the sort of characteristics clearly loved by the Carolina Panthers judging by their acquisitions over the last two offseasons.
This move could be a win-win for all parties. For the Panthers, it would provide them with another veteran presence to call upon that can also become a locker room leader within a young group that is still learning as they go.
The player also gets a chance to get a solid preparation period under his belt and hopefully win a roster spot providing Goodson impresses.
Goodson accumulated 91 tackles in 2020 and also earned a respectable 65.4 grade from Pro Football Focus for his efforts. Simply put, this represents a solid pickup for the Panthers and one they should contemplate making.