How can new WR Willie Snead help the Carolina Panthers?

(Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Willie Snead
(Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Willie Snead

How can new wide receiver Willie Snead help the Carolina Panthers after he was signed to the practice squad this week?

The Carolina Panthers brought in additional help for the wide receiver room this week by signing Willie Snead to their practice squad. And offensive coordinator Joe Brady indicated that the veteran could play a part at the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday due to his familiarity with the system from their time working together with the New Orleans Saints.

Snead asked for and was granted a release from the Las Vegas Raiders. This stemmed from a lack of playing time following his decision to join the team in 2021 free agency.

As the old saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

And the Panthers‘ offense needs all the help it can get right now.

It looked as if Snead could be set for superstardom over his first two seasons with the Saints, where he gained 141 receptions for 1,879 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

However, things did not go according to plan for the Ball State product the following year as the team leaned heavily on Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas. Subsequently, he was looking for a new home in 2018.

Snead ended up spending three seasons on the Baltimore Ravens, where he was a solid if not spectacular performer. Although things didn’t go according to plan in Las Vegas, this could be a good spot for the player in pursuit of a career renaissance.

Carolina Panthers could use a reliable presence like Willie Snead.

His smooth route-running ability and reliable ball skills could make this a mutually beneficial arrangement. The Panthers already have D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson, but the latter is currently going through some poor form and some additional assistance with Terrace Marshall Jr. still in the concussion protocol isn’t the worst idea in the world.

Another thing that makes Snead’s acquisition a potentially shrewd one is his ability to get open quickly. The wideout does his best work out of the slot and should provide Sam Darnold with a nice security blanket providing his transition to Carolina is a smooth one.

Things can’t get much worse for the Panthers on offense.

They are in desperate need of a spark. Although Snead’s broken the 500-yard receiving barrier just once over the last three seasons prior to this one, being in a scheme in which he’s thrived before could be the making of him.

The Falcons are giving up 250.2 yards per game through the air. Even though they will undoubtedly fancy their chances against a poor offensive line and a quarterback in Darnold that’s going through some substantial turmoil.

This was a low-risk, high-reward pickup by the Panthers.

Snead has bags of experience and recently turned 29 years old with relatively low mileage on the tires. So it wouldn’t be a shock to see him involved in Week 8 despite his lack of preparation time.

He should also have a chip on his shoulder after being a relative outcast with the Raiders. Motivation such as this will only benefit Carolina if it’s harnessed in the right way.

What comes next will be down to Snead.

He is running out of chances to carve out a meaningful role for himself in the league. But reuniting with Brady might end up being a masterstroke for all parties involved.

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