Playmaking wide receivers among eight logical free agency targets for Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are on a quest to improve their roster following a 2-15 season that led to notable turmoil and coaching staff exits.
With new general manager Dan Morgan and new head coach Dave Canales now in charge, the Panthers need to build their roster in their own image. The first step toward that revamped roster will be free agency, which begins on March 13.
Following the quick fall of former head coach Frank Reich, Morgan and Canales are likely to receive a larger runway (read: multiple years) to carry out their vision. So, with wiggle room to grow and a middling cap situation, it’s fair expect that the Panthers will hover around the mid-tier market (with a big move or two) to improve there team as part of Step 1 in a long-term process.
Here are eight potential free agent targets who make sense for the Canales-led Panthers:
Logical Panthers free agency targets on offense
Marquise Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals
While he isn’t Mike Evans (re-signed by the Buccaneers on Monday) or Tee Higgins (franchise-tagged by the Bengals last month), Brown is an explosive athlete worth betting on. Brown has been a quality playmaker when healthy, but he needs to improve his durability to be a worthwhile investment. Still, Brown, a former first-round pick, has scored 28 touchdowns over the past five years, even as he stands just 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds. Brown, 26, has the versatility to play outside and inside, and he can even be used in the backfield if called upon.
Gabriel Davis, WR, Buffalo Bills
Davis, 24, was selected by the Bills in 2020 when Morgan was still in the Buffalo front office. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound receiver has excellent size and speed, even if both qualities have led to inconsistent results over the years. Davis has flashed brilliance, and a heavier role on offense could help him blossom opposite Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo. Davis isn’t a prototypical No. 1 wide receiver, but those true blue top guys are few and far between. He has produced 2,730 yards and 27 touchdowns over the past four years.
Colby Parkinson, TE, Seattle Seahawks
The Panthers desperately need to improve the pass-game production of the tight end position this year. Parkinson has worked under Canales and tight ends coach Pat McPherson in Seattle. While his numbers aren’t going to “wow” anyone, Parkinson, 25, has the ability to be a consistent target in the passing game for Bryce Young. Parkinson has caught 50 passes for 569 yards and four touchdowns over the past two years. He should be able to match that total in one season as a go-to receiving tight end in a fairly familiar offensive system. He’d be an excellent complement to ascending incumbent tight end Tommy Tremble. Based on the league chatter in Indianapolis, tight end will be a priority for the Panthers at some point this offseason.
Lloyd Cushenberry III, C, Denver Broncos
The Panthers desperately need to reinforce their interior offensive line this offseason. Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett are both coming off major injuries at guard, while Bradley Bozeman had an underwhelming second season at center in Carolina. Bozeman is due a $1.5 million roster bonus on March 16, and there’s a fair argument to be made that the center position needs to be upgraded to protect Young. According to multiple sources, the Panthers are expected to address the center position at some point during the offseason. Cushenberry is an ascending pass blocker at the position, and at 26, he could be a worthy long-term investment.
Logical Panthers free agency targets on defense
Andrew Van Ginkel, EDGE, Miami Dolphins
Van Ginkel, 28, is coming off a superb fifth season in Miami. The versatile pass rusher would be a strong fit for Ejiro Evero’s defense, as he can create regular pressure and make plays on the ball. Last year, Van Ginkel produced 69 tackles, six sacks, eight pass breakups and an interception. Pro Football Focus attributed 31 stops to Van Ginkel as well. The Panthers need to improve their pass-rushing unit, and Van Ginkel would be a strong tag-team partner (or partial replacement) for Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Burns.
Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, Tennessee Titans
Frankie Luvu’s impending free agency looms large over the Panthers’ free agency plans. While the team wants Luvu to return, he should have a strong market this offseason. And even if he does return, the Panthers need to improve their inside linebacker group anyway. Al-Shaair, 26, is a seek-and-destroy linebacker with blitzing ability and a tenacious playing style. He could rotate with Shaq Thompson as he returns from a major leg injury or partner with him if Luvu leaves on the open market.
Dane Jackson, CB, Buffalo Bills
Morgan pounded the table for Jackson in the seventh round of the 2020 draft while he was an exec for Buffalo. Jackson, 27, went on to have a strong four-year stint with the Bills as a role player and part-time starter. The 5-foot-11 and 180-pound cornerback could be a worthwhile replacement for C.J. Henderson, who will hit the market later this month. Jackson has the versatility to play on the boundary and in the slot. While he had an up-and-down 2023 campaign, he has produced 28 pass breakups and three interceptions over the past four seasons.
Jonathan Harris, DT/DE, Denver Broncos
Like DeShawn Williams this past season, Harris is a former Broncos journeyman defender with ties to Evero and senior defensive assistant Dom Capers. Harris is a sturdy rotational lineman who can line up in multiple spots for an odd front. Harris, 27, should be able to come in and make a difference right away, given his experience in the scheme. He had a solid year as a rotational player under Evero in Denver in 2022. He would likely be a bargain option on a one-year “prove it” deal.
