7 RBs the Carolina Panthers should consider in 2022 free agency

Carolina Panthers should consider Jerick McKinnon

Another Kansas City Chief? Yes, and with good reason.

The Chiefs were a gold mine for good running back play at some point throughout the 2021 season. Jerick McKinnon was the one that emerged during the postseason when Kansas City needed a spark from this positional group.

McKinnon started in all three of Kansas City’s playoff games and made an impact in each one. Despite coming up short of getting to the Super Bowl, the much-traveled back finished the playoffs with more than 300 yards from scrimmage.

At 29 years old, the eighth-year veteran is approaching his 30s and for many running backs, that could be a sign of decline. McKinnon missed two seasons in a row due to knee injuries that he suffered during the preseason in 2018 and 2019. However, the time he missed and the lack of true wear on his tires could be a sign of better play to come.

Should the Carolina Panthers sign McKinnon, they’ll be getting another versatile asset to complement Christian McCaffrey in key areas such as the passing game.

McKinnon has shown over the years to be a reliable weapon in the quick game due to his short-area quickness, explosiveness, and creativity as a runner. Something that the Panthers sorely lacked when McCaffrey missed time.