4 high-risk free agents the Carolina Panthers could target in 2023
By Dean Jones
![(Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports) Irv Smith Jr. (Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports) Irv Smith Jr.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fcatcrave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F19727807-850x560-82c8c6dc5aa602b266c76ed84151fcf264fcf36b77f9555db42d546e5361362b.jpg)
Which high-risk free agents could the Carolina Panthers potentially target as preparations gather pace for the 2023 season?
While head coach Frank Reich molds a coaching staff up there with anything around the NFL, Scott Fitterer is busy working on some critical personnel matters awaiting the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Something that will play a significant role in whether strides can be made in 2023 or not.
Fitterer has never had anything like this power before after being shackled by Matt Rhule. The Panthers are placing a significant amount of faith in the respected figure, who must prove beyond all doubt that he’s the man to occupy the general manager position long-term.
Money is scarce for Carolina before sacrifices are made. But there is a chance to become players in free agency should the right opportunities present themselves.
Even though there is no margin for error, here are four high-risk free agents the Panthers could sign in 2023.
Free Agent No. 1
Carolina Panthers could sign Arden Key
The Carolina Panthers are in desperate need of passing rushing assistance. Especially considering how much their new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero likes to bring pressure from a 3-4 base scheme.
Arden Key is an option, albeit a risky one.
The player enjoyed the best campaign of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021. But with three teams over a five-year career to date, there’s absolutely no guarantee he could provide consistency despite gaining 10.5 sacks over the last two years.