Each week this offseason, we’ll be focusing on one position and how the Panthers may choose to address their needs; whether they’re in the market for an upgrade at starter or just a reliable backup, every player on the 53-man roster is going to be important in 2018.
This is Wide Receiver Week.
There are many that will argue that a lower leg injury cost the Panthers a chance at a deep playoff run in 2017, although technically that narrative would be split between two different injuries. A lower leg injury to rookie wide receiver Curtis Samuel as he finished his best two-game stretch of the season followed by a similar injury just over a month later to speedy fan favorite Damiere Byrd, who had produced three touchdowns in two weeks before being placed on injured reserve, effectively decimated the Panthers receiving corps as they headed to New Orleans to battle Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara and the Saints’ high-octane offense. While the ‘law firm’ of Bersin, Clay, Shepard & Frazier was a popular meme, it was clear that the Panthers didn’t have enough at the wide receiver position to make a deep playoff run.
Improving the talent around Cam Newton on the offensive side of the ball is clearly a priority, from using their top 2017 draft picks on Christian McCaffrey and Samuel to comments from new offensive coordinator Norv Turner that “one of the things that really helps [Newton] improve is getting all the people around him playing at a high level.” With the wide receiver draft class one of the weaker in recent memory and the lack of consistent production that early wide receiver selections tend to contribute early in their career, the chances that the Panthers turn to free agency for help at wide receiver seems to be trending upwards.
This becomes even more apparent when you look at the teams which competed for this year’s Lombardi Trophy; the Philadelphia Eagles rode free-agent acquisitions Alshon Jeffrey and Torrey Smith to the 2017 title while the Patriots relied on Danny Amendola and Chris Hogan, both acquired on the open market, as their top wide receiver options. Choosing the correct wide receiver in free agency has clear results even within the Panthers’ own division: Ted Ginn, Jr. helped turn the Saints from last-place finishers to being a Minnesota Miracle from the NFC Championship game while DeSean Jackson and his $11m per season disappointed in Tampa Bay as they limped to another lackluster finish. Drill down further: Carolina seemed to miss the speed threat of Ginn all season after choosing to sign Russell Shepard to a similar deal; Shepard had 202 yards and one score while Ginn produced almost 800 yards and broke the Panthers’ backs with a long touchdown in the playoffs.
So who should the Panthers attempt to bring in this offseason? Here are some players they may be interested in:
Jordan Matthews. Photo Credit: Jason Getz/USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Matthews, Buffalo – While Matthews disappointed in only 10 games for the Bills last season, he was one of the best slot receivers in the NFL for three seasons in Philadelphia before being traded for cornerback Ronald Darby just before the season began; the former favorite target of Carson Wentz has reliable hands, open-field elusiveness and provides a red zone option; he may have been a victim of circumstance after the Eagles spent money to bring in Jeffrey and Smith. A down season last year may have lowered his price tag to what the Panthers are willing to spend, and at 25-years old, he still has room to get better and could provide a backup plan should Devin Funchess decide to test free agent waters when his rookie contract is up.
Mike Wallace, Ravens – While it seems as if Wallace has been in the league forever, the former Steeler is still capable of contributing at 31 years old, certainly as a deep threat; Norv Turner likes his tall, speedy wide receivers in the Malcolm Floyd mold. While Wallace may not be an splashy signing for many Panthers fans, a receiver to complement Funchess is what the Panthers will be looking for, not necessarily a number one option.
Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos – Sanders is currently under contract, but is rumored to be a cap casualty early in free agency; should he be released, he would be exactly what the Panthers need, a sure-handed receiver who can provide both quality route running and speed opposite of Devin Funchess. The Broncos may also seek to trade the two-time Pro Bowler who had his worst season in Denver in 2017, and the Panthers seem to be an ideal partner with 4 picks in the first 100. Another possible cap casualty would be Jordy Nelson in Green Bay, another perfect fit for Carolina if he comes available.
Josh Gordon. Photo Credit: Scott R. Galvin/USA TODAY Sports
Josh Gordon, Browns – Does a new ownership group mean that the days of Jerry Richardson eliminating players like Gordon from consideration is over? After missing almost three seasons of play for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, Gordon was reinstated at the end of last season and immediately showed why he can be a #1 option in the league, averaging 18.6 yards per reception and displaying speed, hands and elusiveness in limited playing time; Gordon may come at a discounted price for someone of his skill level due to his issues off the field, and if Rivera thinks that he can keep the 27-year old under control, a duo of Funchess and Gordon on either side of Cam Newton could be terrifying for opposing defenses. All of this is probably moot (but fun to think about) if the Browns tag him as an exclusive rights free agent.
Paul Richardson, Seahawks – Richardson had a breakout season in 2017 and the second-round pick may end up being too expensive for the Panthers, with expectations being that the former second-round pick will demand between $7-$9m per year, but a 26-year old who had nine touchdowns and made the Seahawks feel as if Jermaine Kearse was expendable at the trade deadline may be worth that much. His long strides and ability to make spectacular catches downfield would certainly be useful in the Norv Turner offense, but his price tag, like other available players, may be too high for the Panthers.
Allen Robinson, Jaguars – A 25-year old that is two years removed from a 1,400 yard/14 touchdown season seems too good to be true, and he just might be, with reports coming from Jacksonville that Robinson is ripe for the franchise tag, but should the Jags let Robinson hit the open market, he may join Jarvis Landry & Sammy Watkins as receivers that turn out to be too much for the Panthers already tight salary cap.
Other Names to Consider:
- Quincy Enunwa, New York Jets (RFA)
- Albert Wilson, Kansas City
- Dontrelle Inman, San Diego
- Brian Quick, Washington
- Eric Decker, Tennessee
