4 Panthers players who will benefit from recent free-agent signings

Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers RB

Finding some solutions to the ongoing problem surrounding Christian McCaffrey‘s health was one of the biggest priorities facing the Carolina Panthers this offseason. The All-Pro needs additional assistance to take some pressure off after featuring 10 times over the last two seasons, which simply has to change if the organization wants to see some return from their whopping financial investment in the player.

McCaffrey has shouldered a heavy burden that’s obviously caught up with him. Mike Davis and Chuba Hubbard filled in valiantly over the last two campaigns, but the recent addition of D’Onta Foreman gives the Panthers a change of pace back that is capable of filling the void and also lending his assistance even when the Stanford product is fit and firing on all cylinders.

Foreman came from relative obscurity with the Tennessee Titans in 2021, picking up the slack when Derrick Henry went down and helped them secure the AFC’s No. 1 overall seed thanks to a powerful running style with an added sprinkle of big-play prowess when opportunities arise.

This is a win-win for Carolina, although it could spell the end of Hubbard’s meaningful reps in the short term, at least. Foreman arrives at the organization full of confidence and his presence should finally allow McCaffrey to focus on outside running and making a difference in the passing game rather than taking heavy punishment in-between the tackles.

If the Panthers are to stand any chance of taking steps forward next time around, then McCaffrey has to remain healthy. Adding Foreman increases his chances in no uncertain terms.