5 free agents the Carolina Panthers should consider after Week 1 loss

Carolina Panthers should consider Jason Pierre-Paul

There wasn’t much to be encouraged about regarding the Carolina Panthers on defense in Week 1. And the fact remains that the team is dangerously thin on reliable pass-rushing options moving forward.

Carolina signed Henry Anderson just before the campaign. However, he is seen as more of a run-stuffing presence rather than someone that can cause havoc in opposing backfields consistently.

The same cannot be said of Jason Pierre-Paul. His ability to get after the quarterback is renowned with 91.5 career sacks that would be far more had the former first-round pick not suffered a significant injury or two.

Again, this is something that might not interest Pierre-Paul, who is about to turn 34 years old. Even if it would provide the Panthers with a dependable body in the event Yetur Gross-Matos struggles with extra responsibilities on his shoulders.

Those in power might adopt a wait-and-see approach over the first few games before making additional moves. But players like Pierre-Paul don’t tend to stay on the market for too long once teams get a better indication of what their current options can do in a competitive setting.

Pierre-Paul is a difference-maker that could be a real asset in specific situations. However, much would also depend on the financial implications regarding such a signing.