The Carolina Panthers are trying to cope with troubling injuries heading into their Sunday Night Football showdown against the Detroit Lions. General manager Dan Morgan hasn't made any major moves yet, but that might change soon if the trend continues.
Carolina goes on a bye week after the Lions game on prime time. This is a good chance for some players to heal, but it's also the perfect chance for Morgan and head coach Dave Canales to take stock of where things stand and what options they have to improve their fortunes.
There isn't much money to spend, but anyone still on the market at this time of year is looking for an opportunity. With the Panthers' aspirations teetering, Morgan would be wise to explore outside help if the right opportunity presents itself.
With this in mind, here are five free agents the Panthers should have on speed dial heading into their all-important bye week.
Free agents the Carolina Panthers could potentially target during their Week 5 bye
Eddie Goldman, DL
The Panthers could use a little extra depth on their defensive front. Bobby Brown III is playing through a bulging disc in his back, which isn't ideal. Undrafted rookie Aaron Hall and second-year player Cam Jackson are the viable backups right now, while TeRah Edwards has underwhelmed since his trade to Carolina.
Eddie Goldman could be an option to consider.
He played well for the Washington Commanders last season but didn't return. Goldman worked out with the New York Giants this offseason, but they didn't reach a deal. But if the veteran is healthy, he has the scope to be a useful reserve player who can play anywhere along Ejiro Evero's 3-4 front.
Jeff Okudah, CB
Losing Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr., one of the best cornerback tandems anywhere in the league, is a hammer blow to the Panthers' chances. Morgan hasn't done anything to fill the void yet, but it doesn't take a genius to see that the Panthers need additional reinforcements.
While he may never have lived up to his top-five draft billing, Jeff Okudah is serviceable enough when healthy. Staying on the field has been problematic, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Kareen Hunt, RB
Running back Jonathon Brooks has gone to injured reserve once again. The Panthers haven't replaced him, and they're confident Chuba Hubbard and A.J. Dillon can tread water. Trevor Etienne could also return from injured reserve after the bye week.
If not, the Panthers cannot stand pat.
They brought in Austin Ekeler for a workout recently, who's now gone back to Washington. But someone like Kareem Hunt has a similar skill set, and this would be a high-risk, high-reward option to potentially consider to give Carolina's offense an added spark.
Antonio Hamilton Sr., CB
As mentioned, the Panthers are desperately short on dependable cornerback options. Will Lee III, Akayleb Evans, and Chau Smith-Wade will get the chance to fill a gaping void, but it is not exactly the strongest group without Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr.
While he's an aging corner, Antonio Hamilton Sr. is another intriguing option. He is outstanding on his day, as evidenced by a lockdown performance against the Giants last season. He didn't make Washington's roster and refused a spot on their practice squad, so he'll be highly motivated to silence his doubters in a different environment.
Curtis Samuel, WR
Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker are both dealing with nagging issues. It's something to monitor, but the Panthers are well stocked at receiver to cope until both are ready to return.
If it takes them a little longer, reuniting with Curtis Samuel might not be the worst idea.
The versatile pass-catcher is surprisingly still looking for another chance after his time with the Buffalo Bills fizzled out. On his best days, Samuel is a real difference-maker, but it's been a long time since he posted 1,000 all-purpose yards with the Panthers in 2020.
Add us as a preferred source on Google