7 free-agent wide receivers the Carolina Panthers could sign in 2023
By Ricky Raines
Carolina Panthers could sign JuJu Smith-Schuster
Perhaps the biggest name on the wide receiver free agent market, JuJu Smith-Schuster would be a welcome addition to the Carolina Panthers offense. Spotrac estimates his market value at $14.6 million per year, so he would also carry a pretty significant financial investment.
Most detractors begin their argument with the fact that Smith-Schuster enjoys posting on social media. Sound the alarm – a 26-year-old enjoys doing 26-year-old-type activities.
I understand the underlying concern is about focusing on the task at hand, being a distraction, and everything else. However, Smith-Schuster was praised by his teammates and coaches from day one during the Super Bowl run for the Kansas City Chiefs for his hard work that helped develop a great rapport with Patrick Mahomes.
On the field, the seventh-year wideout is a nuanced route runner and finds the soft spots on the defense to provide an open target for his quarterback. He accumulated 78 receptions, 933 receiving yards, and three trips to the end zone in 2022.
He was deployed in a myriad of ways for the Chiefs, lining up in the slot on 358 of his 892 registered offensive snaps last season. This versatility could come in handy for the Panthers.
Prior to his injury-ravaged 2021, Smith-Schuster was looked at as a very promising young receiver. Now with undeniable experience and knowing what it takes to win, he should be a welcome addition to any NFL offense that is fortunate enough to employ his services.