Panthers may have stumbled onto an unexpected weapon in Feleipe Franks

Feleipe Franks was supposed to have a pretty straightforward role for the Carolina Panthers this season.

He would be one of the team's core special teams players, provide depth at tight end, and potentially give the offense a few wrinkles because of his background as a former quarterback. But surprisingly, Franks keeps making plays on offense.

The latest came during Carolina's joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars, when Franks caught a touchdown pass from third-string quarterback Kyle Trask in team drills.

Feleipe Franks is making his case to be more than Carolina Panthers' special-teams ace

ESPN beat reporter Mike Kaye noted that Franks has consistently caught passes well throughout training camp and made several plays, suggesting he could be "more than a special teams ace."

The timing is especially interesting given how the Panthers' tight end room is looking.

Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans are all competing for offensive opportunities, while the Panthers also recently added veteran Darren Waller. But none of those guys are exactly reliable, either from a production or health standpoint.

It's difficult to envision Franks suddenly becoming one of quarterback Bryce Young's primary targets. But that's also what makes his recent production valuable. 

His experience as a former quarterback gives the Panthers some fun ideas, too.

The team has already discussed using him in trick plays. Franks' athletic ability makes that easier to imagine than with a typical blocking tight end.

And there is a bigger reason for Carolina to keep developing him.

The Panthers are trying to build an offense around Young that has more ways to attack defenses. Having a player who can contribute on special teams, line up at tight end and potentially be used in unconventional situations gives offensive coordinator Brad Idzik another tool to work with.

Of course, Franks still has to prove that his summer production can translate into some actual offensive snaps and consistency when the games count. Even so, he is no doubt earning the opportunity to let the Panthers at least see what else he can do.

Franks entered the summer as a player whose roster value was largely tied to special teams. Now, after making plays throughout camp and finding the end zone against Jacksonville, he is giving Carolina another reason to keep him involved on offense.

If that continues in Carolina's final preseason game against the Houston Texans, the Panthers may have to start thinking about Franks as more than just the guy they send onto the field for special teams.

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