Carolina Panthers must add a kick returner
Another area that was ignored during the 2022 NFL Draft is something the Carolina Panthers need to resolve in double-quick time. Finding a kick returner that can put the offense in a better position next season would be wise, which general manager Scott Fitterer stated was one of their top priorities in his media availability shortly after their final selection.
Alex Erickson occupied the role for Carolina in 2021. His hands were assured, but there wasn’t much to brag about from a yardage standpoint and as it stands right now, the player has yet to be offered a new deal.
The likes of Shi Smith, D.J. Moore, and perhaps even seventh-rounder Kalon Barnes could step up. However, finding an instant-impact individual such as Tavon Austin wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world by any stretch of the imagination.
Carolina has put itself in a good position. There are very few holes on the team now, with depth looking much improved across the board to cope with any injuries that might occur during the upcoming campaign.
The Panthers look like a better team than they did before the draft, which is all one can ask for. But the job is far from finished and Carolina has some flexibility with the league’s most salary-cap space available.