5 high-risk free agents the Carolina Panthers should consider in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could target Alex Collins
Finding a solution to improve the longevity and health of Christian McCaffrey is of paramount importance for the Carolina Panthers this offseason. The running back has featured just 10 times over the last two years and even though there are calls from some to trade the All-Pro, that doesn’t appear likely due to his contract and how important he is to the offensive gameplan when firing on all cylinders.
It’s therefore vital that the Panthers use McCaffrey better and, more importantly, take some responsibility off his shoulders. Finding a back that can gain hard yards in between the tackles would be wise, which is a task Chuba Hubbard didn’t look all that capable of during his rookie campaign.
One player that will be no stranger to general manager Scott Fitterer is Alex Collins. The pair worked together during their time together with the Seattle Seahawks and although he’s had some trouble staying healthy himself, seems to fit the mold perfectly.
Things haven’t gone according to plan for Collins over the last two years. But the former fifth-round pick is a punishing back when healthy that specializes in short-yardage and goal-to-go situations.
Adding Collins would be a big-time boost for the Panthers and something that should assist McCaffrey considerably. However, the Arkansas product has only played 14 times over the last two seasons, so taking him on is pretty risky even if the reward could be substantial.