Grading the 5 latest Carolina Panthers signings in 2022 free agency
By Noah Bryce
Johnny Hekker – Carolina Panthers P
The Carolina Panthers have had a bit of a carousel at punter in recent years, though most have been largely productive at certain stages. However, that ride went off the rails last season due to multiple injuries which left the team scrambling for a competent replacement at the position.
With how inept the offense became this shone a bright light on the struggles of the special teams’ group and seemingly unwilling to trudge through another season like that, the Panthers went out and got one of the best to ever do it in Johnny Hekker.
Hekker is getting on up there in terms of age. But there is still plenty of life in the old punting leg to make a meaningful contribution. Even if he is coming off one of his worst statistical seasons as a pro, having a player with multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections is always a good idea.
However, even with an average punt distance that ranks fairly low, the net yardage when all things are considered still ranks near the top of the league. Sometimes placement is more important than distance, in any case.
Consistency is more important still and Hekker has a nack for pinning teams deep with only one touchback last season. With the Panthers’ defense, that could be a very dangerous combination.
Grade: A
Hekker will be a more than welcome addition to a revamped Panthers special teams core that includes last year’s standout performer in Zane Gonzalez. If these two players perform up to expectations, there will be absolutely nothing for the team to worry about on special teams.