Grading the 5 latest Carolina Panthers signings in 2022 free agency
By Noah Bryce
Rashard Higgins – Carolina Panthers WR
Rashard Higgins is one of those players that will never be “the guy” for a team but has the abilities that lean toward deserving a roster spot. The wide receiver’s biggest assets are his size and ability to shake a defender at the top of a route.
This is a dangerous combination, especially in the red zone. A skill that I continuously write about this team desperately needs.
After a fairly remarkable outing in 2020, Higgins regressed significantly in 2021 along with the rest of the Cleveland Browns offense, so it is hard to put all of the blame for that slump on the shoulders of the wideout. But only scoring one touchdown and more than halving total yards is not a good sign no matter the context.
However, with the position the Carolina Panthers found themselves in at receiver last season, signing a player like Higgins who can provide a fairly reliable target if need be for whoever may find themselves under center is a good move.
Not to mention a one-year deal leaves little in the way of risk on the shoulders of the Panthers should things not work out as intended.
If nothing else, Higgins provides a little extra security should Terrace Marshall Jr. struggle again or the injury bug rears its ugly head in 2022.
Grade: B
All in all, this is a solid, albeit not a mindblowing, move for a Panthers team in need of depth.