Which remaining free agents should the Carolina Panthers consider signing for further competition ahead of their upcoming training camp in 2023?
It's been a fantastic offseason of recruitment for the Carolina Panthers throughout one of the more eventful springs in franchise history. This has left the organization almost unrecognizable from the one that concluded the 2022 campaign, which was exactly what everyone needed after languishing in football poverty under the previous regime.
Perhaps the most significant factor in this equation is the promise of more arrivals to come. The Panthers set themselves up well financially and have $26.57 million in available resources with only quarterback Bryce Young to sign from their 2023 NFL Draft class.
Some position groups could take priority over others looking at the current state of affairs across the roster. But nothing can be ruled out where general manager Scott Fitterer is concerned with his in-on-every-deal mentality.
With this in mind, here are three free agents that the Panthers should consider signing to increase camp competition in 2023.
Carolina Panthers should sign William Jackson III
Having faith in their current cornerback options is a major gamble for the Carolina Panthers given how things are being perceived from the outside looking in. This is due to injuries and a lack of consistency that could mean this unit becomes a weak link for Ejiro Evero's defense next season unless significant improvements don't arrive.
If the Panthers aren't satisfied with how things are unfolding early at training camp, they have the capital to bring in a veteran that could potentially make a big impression right out of the gate. In this scenario and if everything checks out on the health front, William Jackson III might be an option to consider.
Jackson's endured some rough luck over the last two seasons but is a capable performer when healthy. This would also provide a veteran presence within the locker room to mentor the likes of C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr. during crucial seasons from their personal perspectives.
Carolina Panthers should sign Robert Quinn
Another position that has more questions than answers heading into the new season centers on who'll be the Carolina Panthers' outside linebacker opposite Brian Burns. Marquis Haynes Sr. and Yetur Gross-Matos look like the frontrunners currently, with third-round selection D.J. Johnson representing a wildcard that could be anything at this juncture.
Again, if the Panthers don't like what they see, there are a number of veteran edge rushers that could be decent fits. The likes of Yannick Ngakoue, Justin Houston, and Jadeveon Clowney have been linked, but Robert Quinn is another that could bring short-term gain for the Panthers' defense under Ejiro Evero's leadership.
Things tailed off dramatically for Quinn last season despite winning an NFC championship with the Philadelphia Eagles after a mid-campaign switch from the Chicago Bears. Whether this represents the All-Pro falling off a cliff remains to be seen, but it wouldn't hurt to bring him in to find out for sure.
It's easy to forget that Quinn notched a phenomenal 18.5 sacks in 2021 en route to yet another Pro Bowl campaign. And at 33 years old, he could have one more year left despite demonstrating clear regression last time around.
Much will depend on the money involved and whether the Panthers represent an enticing option for the former first-round selection, who's no stranger to the area having played his college football at North Carolina. But it fills a need and the money could be tempting for Quinn if nothing else.
Carolina Panthers should sign Ezekiel Elliott
This would be a turn-up for the books. One that could be beneficial for the Carolina Panthers if free-agent running back Ezekiel Elliott is willing to accept a reduced role.
The Panthers signed Miles Sanders on a three-year deal in free agency and looks set to be Carolina's every-down back. Chuba Hubbard represents the change of pace option and Raheem Blackshear might also assist on the rotation and in the kick return game.
This means signing someone like Elliott wouldn't enter Carolin's train of thought currently. However, the former Ohio State star appears lean and sharp during workout videos, which could indicate he returns to something like his old self after looking a little sluggish with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022.
Spending what many would deem unnecessary funds on another veteran running back that might be past the peak of his powers seems contentious. Elliott is only 28 years old in a few days and should be highly motivated to silence his doubters, but that might not be from a No. 1 role again given how players at the position are currently perceived around the league.
Having a power-back could be the missing piece of Carolina's puzzle on offense. Even if the reality indicates this would be highly unlikely factoring everything into the equation.