5 dream free-agent targets for the Carolina Panthers in 2023
By Preston Seyl
Which upcoming free agents could emerge as dream targets for the Carolina Panthers during the 2023 offseason?
Next year will be a big one for the Carolina Panthers as they will be more than $30 million over the cap. Not exactly the best situation with holes and upgrades undoubtedly needed at certain positions.
The Panthers have almost no wiggle room going into 2023 free agency. Depending on how certain players perform, general manager Scott Fitterer will take a look at upgrading at every position as he’s stated from the very beginning he will be in on every deal and so far he has kept to his word.
The linebackers will need more depth next year as they are pretty thin at the position right now. Carolina also needs to look at edge rushers given Hassan Reddick’s departure.
Offensive line options are also a concern if the projected starters gets injured. Should one established figure get hurt, there’s a pretty significant drop-off.
Although it’s a long time away, here are five free agents that could become dream targets for the Panthers in 2023.
Free Agent No. 1
Carolina Panthers could target Quenton Nelson
- Offensive Line | Indianapolis Colts
Quenton Nelson would be classed as a long shot. He is one of the best offensive linemen in the league and if the Carolina Panthers showed interest, it will be hard to outbid the Indianapolis Colts.
Nelson played all his snaps at left guard last year and would be a massive upgrade over Brady Christensen. The Panthers need to give their 2021 third-round pick some time to develop, but the aggressiveness of Scott Fitterer might be too enticing to pass up if Nelson is there for the taking.
The Notre Dame product is an exceptional all-around protector on the interior. Nelson has done an excellent job run blocking for Jonathan Taylor, who led the league in rushing last year, but the Colts will likely use the franchise tag if they cannot get a deal done with the player beforehand.