What crucial elements can Hayden Hurst bring to the Carolina Panthers after his eye-catching arrival during 2023 free agency?
Almost like clockwork after mentioning the importance of the tight end position in today’s NFL and the neglect the Carolina Panthers had shown to improve theirs, Scott Fitterer went out and signed Hayden Hurst to a three-year contract worth up to $21.75 million. It sure feels good to have a competent coaching staff working in unison with the front office to address critical needs.
A first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the former South Carolina Gamecock has suited up for the Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, and most recently the Cincinnati Bengals. Through his first five seasons in the league, Hurst has amassed 177 receptions for 1,718 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns Of the 70 games played, he’s started in 31 of them, thanks to a combination of injuries and being behind on the depth chart.
He enjoyed his best statistical year in 2020 with the Atlanta Falcons, where he put together a 56-571-6 receiving statistic line. Last season with the Bengals, Hurst started all 13 games that he played in and developed a nice rapport with their young quarterback, Joe Burrow, to the tune of 52-414-2.
Modest numbers at first glance, but considering the firepower of that Bengals offense with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Joe Mixon – Hurst clearly carved out an important role, helping the team to their second AFC Championship game in as many years.
With that understanding of Hurst’s career arc thus far, what can Panthers fans expect the tight end to bring to the field in their new-look offense next season?
Hayden Hurst extends Carolina Panthers options at TE
In watching games where Frank Reich was offensive coordinator or head coach, it’s easy to identify that he utilizes tight ends as an integral part of his schemes. The respected figure runs more two tight end sets than just about any coach in the league. And it doesn’t stop there.
Reich calls multiple looks that include three tight ends on the field at the same time.
With the addition of Hayden Hurst, that becomes a reality for the Carolina Panthers. If the roster was left untouched at the tight end position coming into the 2023 season, we would be looking at Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble being trotted out in jumbo packages. While both are very good blocking players for the position, they leave coaches and fans wanting much more in the passing game.
In an article written by Stephen Holder for The Atlantic in 2020, Frank Reich explains his affinity for the position and his usage of three tight-end personnel:
"When you get three tight ends on the field that are good, it just creates all kinds of options. What does the defense think when you put three tight ends on the field? In the old days, they’re thinking it’s all run. But if you’re looking at us, we throw the ball with three tight ends on the field just as much as we run it. But yet we’re still a danger to run it. So, that’s a good dynamic."Frank Reich via The Atlantic
That last part of Reich’s quote is where Hurst is such an important addition. He has the ability to be physical at the line of scrimmage and hold his own as a run blocker. However, the veteran gives the Panthers a massive upgrade in terms of a pass-catching threat who can run a more diverse route tree.
Trying to deceive an opposing defense into thinking Thomas and Tremble could bust their coverage would’ve been a tall task. To put it mildly.
The Notre Dame product should improve under Reich and Thomas Brown, as well. But Hurst allows this coaching staff to open every wrinkle for the quarterback chosen with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, without tipping their hand in specific packages.
Hayden Hurst has best hands on Carolina Panthers roster currently
Hayden Hust is absolutely tremendous with the ball in his hands after the catch. Imagine a Ford Bronco, but with better hair and a beard. He will see the defender in front of him, line him up, and then run right through them or bumper-car off of an attempted tackle.
But his physicality isn’t Hurst’s only calling card. The sixth-year pro has security blanket hands, evidenced by only being responsible for six drops out of 249 targets, resulting in his 2.4 percent career dropped passes-per-target rate.
Reliable hands are a young quarterback’s best friend. If the Carolina Panthers coaching staff puts this new signal-caller in the best position to succeed, it’s imperative that he’s surrounded by teammates that will provide the same support.
In the three postseason games last season for the Cincinnati Bengals, Hurst reeled in 13 of 17 targets for 141 receiving yards and a trip to the painted grass. Seeing an average of five-plus targets per game for good measure.
Hurst established himself as a reliable option when the lights are brightest. That should be a welcomed sight for Panthers fans, considering we all have expectations to be competitive, and ultimately contend in the playoffs sooner rather than later.
Hayden Hurst brings leadership to the Carolina Panthers
With all of the change and turnover within the franchise, it’s critical to establish a culture and identity for the Carolina Panthers. There are already a few notable stalwarts in place, referring to sparkplug Frankie Luvu, and veteran leaders Shaq Thompson and Taylor Moton. Hayden Hurst will only add more high character to the group.
Before shifting gears to focus on football, Hurst was a highly touted pitching prospect with dreams and aspirations of playing in the MLB. That dream became a reality of sorts after he was drafted in the 17th round of the MLB Draft in 2012 by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He elected to put college on the back burner and took a shot at the minor leagues.
That dream turned darker as Hurst continued toward his goals. Eventually, he found himself in a battle for his own mental and physical health.
Hurst opened up about the extent of his struggles with his mental health in 2020. Even detailing his rock bottom of attempted suicide while fighting substance abuse, as well as depression.
From that point, Hurst moved with the purpose of going upward and onward. He walked on at the University of South Carolina and worked his way into the NFL. That extreme adversity faced head on, and his ability to speak so candidly and passionately about helping others in similar health crises, are testament to the person he is.
Hurst is also heavily involved in his community, thanks in part to the Hayden Hurst Family Foundation.
The path of that personal character translating to the locker room and the football field is apparent with Hurst. He takes nothing for granted, works harder than the hardest worker you know, and he’ll be an invaluable listening ear and supportive shoulder for any of his teammates that may find themselves in any kind of peril – whether on or off the field.