5 players who could follow Frank Reich to the Carolina Panthers in 2023
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could sign Bobby Okereke
It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers are set to make big changes across their roster. This bears more significance within the linebacking room, which could see plenty of comings and goings before it’s time to suit up in 2023.
Damien Wilson is a prime cut candidate, Cory Littleton is out of contract, and Shaq Thompson might be a cap casualty via release or trade. Only Frankie Luvu is guaranteed a lofty role next season, so finding solutions at the second level is another important priority for the Panthers this spring.
Replacing legendary linebacker Luke Kuechly has been an impossible task since his shock retirement after the 2019 campaign. If Frank Reich has any influence whatsoever, he’ll inform general manager Scott Fitterer all about the exciting attributes Bobby Okereke brings to the table.
Okereke sometimes gets lost in terms of the limelight behind All-Pro Darius Leonard. But that does not detract from what an exceptional talent he’s become in a relatively short space of time.
The former third-round selection logged a whopping 151 tackles last season and was unfortunate not to earn Pro Bowl honors. One suspects the Indianapolis Colts will look to extend the player or perhaps even utilize the franchise tag, but if he’s allowed to leave Carolina should be all over it.
This could be the difference maker at middle linebacker the team’s been craving since Kuechly hung up his cleats. Whether Okereke becomes available or not is the big question.