7 free agents the Carolina Panthers must aggressively pursue in 2023
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers must pursue Mecole Hardman
- Wide Receiver | Kansas City Chiefs
It’s hard to properly analyze the Carolina Panthers wide receiver room after another 2022 season of suspect play-calling on offense and almost no consistency at the quarterback position. D.J. Moore and Terrace Marshall Jr. did well overall, but it’s clear additional assets should be sought to make life easier for any incoming signal-caller.
This year’s draft class has some top-end talent, although depth is questioned compared to the last two selection events. If Carolina allocated their value capital elsewhere, then adding a productive pass-catcher in free agency is almost imperative.
Mecole Hardman’s encouraging start to the 2022 season was cut short due to injury. The explosive individual tried to make a comeback during the Kansas City Chiefs’ win against the Cincinnati Bengals to secure the AFC Championship, but it’s clear something was still bothering the player.
It remains to be seen whether Hardman recovers enough to suit up in the Super Bowl. Regardless, the Panthers could utilize his deep-threat prowess and ability to make people miss in the open field.
Leaving Patrick Mahomes for an unheralded signal-caller is a tough sell, obviously. That’s why it’s so important for Carolina to move the necessary money around en route to becoming an attractive destination for pending free agents.