6 wide receivers the Carolina Panthers must consider in 2022 free agency
By Noah Bryce
Carolina Panthers must consider A.J. Green
2021 stats (Arizona Cardinals):
- 54 receptions
- 848 receiving yards
- 3 touchdowns
A.J. Green, forever a staple of the Cincinnati Bengals, decided to pursue potentially more promising pastures in 2021 with the Arizona Cardinals. That move in hindsight was quite possibly a mistake.
Green started his career in the best way possible with seven straight Pro Bowl selections and was rightfully considered to be one of the most dominant receivers in the league during that span. Spoken about in the same breath as Julio Jones when both players were in their prime.
Injuries have slowed down the aging receiver in recent years. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything left in the tank or that he doesn’t have something to prove to the world and himself at this stage in his career.
Even if the Carolina Panthers were only able to get Green on a one-year deal to bridge the gap of him inevitably returning to the Bengals to retire, the amount of knowledge and mentorship he could impart on players like D.J. Moore and especially Terrace Marshall Jr. is well worth whatever the price may be to bring him into the fold.
Green would add a wrinkle into this offense that hasn’t been there since the departure of Greg Olsen. That could be a very scary proposition if Christian McCaffrey is able to stay on the field and Robby Anderson bounces back.
Even if Anderson continues his downhill trajectory, Green would be the perfect replacement with his combination of size and veteran experience both on and off the field.
The Panthers struggled mightily with discipline in 2021 and Green could quite possibly be the fix to right the ship. Whether he is willing to be coached by Matt Rhule or not is a question for another time.