Which free agents remaining on the market could immediately start for the Carolina Panthers during their first season under Frank Reich in 2023?
Even though the Carolina Panthers are currently going through their final period of rest and relative relaxation before training camp and the regular season arrives, there is no such thing as downtime for influential figures behind the scenes. General manager Scott Fitterer and head coach Frank Reich will be assessing the current roster state heading into Spartanburg, which could also see the power couple determine whether more is needed beforehand.
The Panthers did a nice job in terms of recruitment this spring. More importantly, they've also stabilized their financial position after years of mismanagement under previous regimes.
This leaves the Panthers with $26.57 million in available cap space with only quarterback Bryce Young to tie down from their draft class. Some will get kept back for potential in-season moves, but the capital is there to strengthen their NFC South title chances if the right opportunities present themselves.
With this in mind, here are three free agents currently sitting on the market that would immediately start for the Panthers in 2023.
Carolina Panthers could sign Jadeveon Clowney
There are a few concerns about whether the Carolina Panthers have enough from a pass-rushing perspective in 2023. They were too reliant on Brian Burns last season after letting Haason Reddick walk, which is something that has to change if Frank Reich wants to stand any chance of instant progress.
Someone like Jadeveon Clowney would help enormously if the money is right. While the player never quite lived up to his generational tag coming out of South Carolina, he can get after the quarterback when required and is one of the best around at setting the edge on running downs for good measure.
Clowney could line up as a 3-4 defensive end or outside linebacker given his frame and physical attributes. This also represents a homecoming of sorts for the player, who might look at the Panthers a little differently now that there are real football men running things.
Carolina Panthers could sign Marcus Peters
Another area where the Carolina Panthers could use help but have ignored almost completely this offseason centers on the cornerback position. Something that was further magnified by Jaycee Horn's foot and ankle complication that will sideline the former first-round selection until training camp.
Donte Jackson is also on the shelf and working his way back encouragingly from a torn Achilles. Aside from the inconsistent duo of C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr. or the unknown quantity of undrafted free agent Rejzohn Wright, there isn't much to provide any confidence.
Maybe defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero can work wonders with the options available. But this represents a massive gamble and one that could jeopardize all the team's hard work this spring if certain individuals don't make drastic improvements.
There are some intriguing names remaining on the market that can help if the coaching staff doesn't see enough early at camp. Marcus Peters is arguably the best of the bunch, coming with two All-Pro selections and ballhawk instincts that simply cannot be taught.
The former first-round selection is still relatively young at 30 years old. Peters looks assured enough for the Baltimore Ravens last season aside from a few moments of struggle, giving up 64.3 percent of targets and a 113.7 passer rating when targeted - a little high all things considered.
That said, Peters would become the No. 3 option in Carolina at the very least. One could also make a case for his talent far exceeding Jackson's, but he might be waiting around for a contender at this stage of his career.
Carolina Panthers could sign DeAndre Hopkins
This is something of a pipedream given there's been no reported contact between the Carolina Panthers and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins following his release by the Arizona Cardinals. However, there is no doubt whatsoever that the former All-Pro would be the No. 1 option next season from the moment he got into the building.
Hopkins is coming to the tail-end of his playing career, but his talent remains exceptional. He is almost unplayable when fit and firing on all cylinders, causing opposing cornerbacks nightmares with slick route running, vice-like hands, and a wide catch radius that makes the Clemson product almost impossible to completely thwart.
The Panthers gave up D.J. Moore to secure the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Adam Thielen, D.J. Chark, and Jonathan Mingo were brought in to compensate and the team is also expecting a breakout year from Terrace Marshall Jr. after a strong end to the previous campaign.
Carolina is likely adopting a committee approach until someone demonstrates true No 1 alpha qualities. Of course, these are traits Hopkins possesses in abundance, but there doesn't appear to be much in the way of interest from the Panthers considering he's already met with the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots so far.
Hopkins also hails from the area, which might mean something. And there's no telling what such a prolific performer would do for Bryce Young's crucial transition from college to the pros.