5 returners the Carolina Panthers must consider in 2022 free agency

Carolina Panthers must consider Dede Westbrook

There was a tremendous amount of intrigue when Dede Westbrook joined the Minnesota Vikings last spring. The wide receiver and prolific returner is a dynamic playmaker when healthy, although injury has significantly hampered his progression over the last few seasons and it was thought a change of scenery might bring around a new lease of life for the former fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma.

Sadly, this didn’t really pan out for Westbrook, who found opportunities limited in the passing game thanks to the presence of Pro Bowl duo Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen coupled with the emergence of slot weapon K.J. Osborn. However, the player did manage to participate in 15 games, which is the strongest indicator yet that his health problems are now a thing of the past.

This could be a useful pickup by the Carolina Panthers if they decide not to bring back Alex Erickson. Westbrook has proven production as a primary receiving option with the Jacksonville Jaguars and can also assist in the return game when required.

With speculation mounting about the future of Robby Anderson, the Panthers need to come up with a contingency plan in the event they trade the Temple product this offseason. While it could be asking too much of Westbrook to assume No. 2 wideout responsibilities, adding him as a returner and gradually building up his reps on offense might not be the worst idea in the world.