On the verge of a crucial offseason period for the Carolina Panthers, we took a look back and picked out the best free-agent signings in franchise history.
It’s been 27 years since the Carolina Panthers came into existence. Throughout that time, they haven’t been able to put together one back-to-back winning season.
The peak of the franchise in 2015 when the Cam Newton-led Panthers went 15-1 before losing in Super Bowl 50, feels like it was ages ago and things are looking rough on Mint Street right now.
Carolina has now had four-straight losing seasons and hasn’t made the playoffs since 2017.
There is a glimmer of hope with the NFC South Division likely getting a bit easier with Tom Brady retiring, Sean Payton leaving the New Orleans Saints, and the Atlanta Falcons still rebuilding. The problem is that the Panthers are still in flux themselves and head coach Matt Rhule will be entering a make-or-break season that has him on a very short leash.
That means this offseason is going to be extremely pivotal for Carolina, not only in the draft and through trades but in free agency.
The Panthers do have a lot of dead money still on the books, but they have enough to make some notable signings. Among their pressing needs is an expected overhaul of the offensive line and finding the future at quarterback.
If Carolina fails to hit in free agency, this season might be another rough one, and that has me thinking about some of the best free-agent signings in franchise history.
There have been some key signings throughout the years that have helped propel the franchise. And believe it or not, the top three all played for the Saints before arriving.
So, here are the top five offseason free-agent additions ranked from 5-1.