7 free-agent wide receivers the Carolina Panthers could sign in 2023
By Ricky Raines
Carolina Panthers could sign Jakobi Meyers
Despite playing in a run-heavy, mundane offense with the New England Patriots, Jakobi Meyers stood out as the clear top talent under Bill Belichick. The wideout put together a nice statistical season in 2022, finishing with 67 receptions, 804 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.
At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Meyers has the size to play outside. But it’s his versatility and ability to excel from the slot that makes him such a valuable player.
Of his 691 offensive snaps in 2022, he was lined up in the slot for 414 of them. While he’s not a massive yards-after-the-catch threat, the player is clearly a safety blanket for his quarterback.
When targeted, Meyers yielded a 119.6 passer rating and was credited with only one drop in 2022.
Meyers may not provide the speedy and twitchy profile of many slot receivers, but he absolutely would take some defensive focus from D.J. Moore and Terrace Marshall Jr. to allow them to draw better matchups and hopefully produce at even higher levels than they have.
A former North Carolina State player, it would be very fitting to bring Meyers back to the area as a new weapon for the Panthers’ new-look offense. With a market value estimated to be $12.5 million annually, according to Spotrac.com, this could be a realistic option should Carolina desire to bring him on board.