Keith Kirkwood returned to the Carolina Panthers for another go-around this week, but will he be able to make a bigger impression on the team in 2022?
Scott Fitterer is renowned for churning over the bottom-end of his roster since becoming general manager of the Carolina Panthers. The front office figure is not afraid to make changes if he feels it can benefit the franchise, something that has brought a little optimism about the team potentially progressing in 2022.
The Panthers made another move on Monday, bringing back Keith Kirkwood on a one-year deal. This is a low-risk move by the organization and gives the wide receiver another chance to stake his claim within a team where bad luck struck last summer.
Kirkwood was the subject of a brutal hit by J.T. Ibe in training camp that resulted in the safety being cut almost instantly and a trip to the hospital. The former Temple star is a trusted ally of Matt Rhule’s from their time together in college, but he didn’t see much of the field after being initially waived and brought back onto the practice squad.
Carolina has a lot of options at the wideout spot that was enhanced by the arrival of Rashard Higgins in free agency. Kirkwood has his work cut out once again, but having previous knowledge of the set-up is something that should ease his transition back into the fold.
After gaining just seven targets for three receptions and 17 receiving yards in 2021, it’s hard to envisage a situation where Kirkwood becomes a significant factor in the passing game. Much will also depend on how new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo sees the player as a fit within his system.
Keith Kirkwood has his work cut out making the Carolina Panthers roster in 2022
It seemed as if there was an opportunity for Kirkwood last time around before the unfortunate spell on the sidelines with a concussion. Now the player gets another chance to fight his way up the depth chart despite some heavy competition for roster places.
Perhaps Kirkwood represents a better camp body than an undrafted free agent. Especially when one considers how much is at stake for the Panthers next season.
Kirkwood’s career highs of 209 receiving yards and two touchdowns with the New Orleans Saints in 2018 seem like a long time ago. He is a smooth route-runner with dependable hands, but there does appear to be something missing and the wideout still looking for a new home at this stage of the offseason is further proof of this.
There is also the added option of utilizing Kirkwood as a special teams figure. An area of the field in which the Panthers need assistance and Rhule would be wise to seek the counsel of new coach Chris Tabor before making a formal decision.
Maybe it’ll work out better this time for Kirkwood.
If anybody has earned a bit of luck, it’s him.
Not only did the player’s concussion put a huge dent in his chances in 2021, but when there was a clear opportunity for playing time in 2020 he suffered another injury that dented this in a big way.
Rhule and the Panthers want to take another look. And make no mistake, Kirkwood’s arrival only increases the sense of urgency among the team’s pass-catchers.