4 free agents in Super Bowl 57 the Panthers should target in 2023

(Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) T.J. Edwards
(Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) T.J. Edwards /
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Carolina Panthers
(Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports) Jerick McKinnon /

Carolina Panthers could target Jerick McKinnon

The Carolina Panthers benefitted greatly from a committee running back approach last season when Steve Wilks became interim head coach. This played to the team’s strengths and relied less heavily on whatever inconsistent quarterback was tasked with manning the plate.

Whether this is something that continues under Frank Reich remains to be seen. The Panthers have yet to decide on an offensive coordinator, but the prospect of the head coach calling plays cannot be dismissed working in cohesion with any new appointment.

Couple this with D’Onta Foreman’s contract status, and it might be worth examining what options are available that represent a good scheme fit if the Texas product does move on. Especially when it comes to finding a security blanket to catch passes out of the backfield.

Jerick McKinnon is enjoying a fantastic campaign with the Kansas City Chiefs. The former third-round pick gained 803 all-purpose yards and 10 combined touchdowns during the regular season, which was exactly what the team needed with Clyde Edwards-Helaire missing a large part of the campaign.

This could mean the Chiefs work out a deal to keep McKinnon around. If not, then the player won’t be short of offers from elsewhere and it wouldn’t be a shock to see Carolina throw their hat in the ring if finances allow.