4 free agents the Panthers could sign after Christian McCaffrey injury
By Dean Jones
Kerryon Johnson
It’s obviously pretty slim pickings at this stage of the season for anyone looking for running back help. The Carolina Panthers have an ongoing problem with Christian McCaffrey given his recent injury history, so they’ll need to come up with a solution fast to stop it from hindering their progression moving forward.
That might be a complication for the offseason. Chuba Hubbard and Ameer Abdullah will be tasked with carrying the load unless further reinforcements are sought, which seems like the most realistic option considering they’re sitting at 5-7.
One of the more enticing names on the free-agent market should the Panthers want to provide cover for Abdullah and Hubbard is Kerryon Johnson. The former Auburn star is another that flashed tremendous promise as a rookie before tailing off, with his time on the San Francisco 49ers lasting just one game before he was moved on.
Johnson is averaging a respectable 4.3 yards-per-carry from 283 touches throughout his career. He is also a prominent pass-catcher out of the backfield, logging 32 receptions for 213 receiving yards in 2018 with the Detroit Lions.
Although unlikely, if the Panthers went into the veteran pool for another body, then Johnson might be at the top of the list. But sticking with what they have and developing young talent is undoubtedly the preferred option.