4 upcoming free agents the Carolina Panthers could extend on the cheap
By Dean Jones
Brandon Zylstra – Carolina Panthers WR
Although Brandon Zylstra is never going to be a 1,000-yard wide receiver with elite numbers, he possesses the reliability that every successful depth chart needs. The former CFL star has grown in stature over the second half of the campaign and has become a trusted target of quarterback Cam Newton as a result.
It remains to be seen whether or not Newton returns in 2022. But even if the Carolina Panthers end up going in a different direction under center, whoever assumes this responsibility needs a smooth route-runner with dependable ball skills such as Zylstra.
Of course, this will probably be dependent on the development of Terrace Marshall Jr. and Shi Smith. The rookies have been relatively anonymous throughout the season and it’s going to take a pretty steep leap forward for either player to make a lasting contribution in 2022.
That’s why it’s important for the Panthers to extend Zylstra, even if it’s only on another one-year contract. He earned his roster spot in training camp and is bringing in 78.3 percent of targets this season for good measure.
This sort of consistency has been hard to find in the passing game outside of perhaps D.J. Moore, so it would be prudent of the Panthers to get Zylstra extended with a view to potentially getting him more involved next time around.