Second wave of free agency: Chark among logical Panthers options still on open market

The Carolina Panthers entered the first offseason of the Frank Reich era with several holes to fill on their depth chart. And although the team has taken a measured approach to the market, the front office did stock the shelves with quality talent during the first wave of free agency.

During the two-day legal tampering period earlier this week, the Panthers reached agreements with defensive tackle Shy Tuttle, safety Vonn Bell and veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. Then, when the new league year started on Wednesday, the Panthers made another trio of additions, bringing in tight end Hayden Hurst, running back Miles Sanders and defensive lineman DeShawn Williams.

Now, following an initial flurry of activity, the second wave of the open market will be raring to go. That’s where the Panthers could find some legitimate bargains in free agency. With a few serious needs left on the to-do list, there’s still a solid collection of talent still left to be signed.

Below are some logical targets for Carolina in the second wave of free agency:

WR D.J. Chark

Chark, 26, is a former Pro Bowl wideout, and he can both stretch the field and win 50-50 jump balls. While the pickings are slim at the position, Chark makes sense as a big, fast target in the passing game, despite his notable history of leg and ankle injuries. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Chark can serve as a big-play threat opposite Terrance Marshall Jr. Chark is set to visit the Panthers on Friday, according to The Score’s Jordan Schultz.

WR Mecole Hardman

Before free agency got under way, Hardman seemed like a top name on the wide receiver market. However, after a few days of negotiations, the former Chiefs pass-catcher is still free to sign anywhere. Hardman would make sense as a field-stretching complement to Marshall. Hardman has some TY Hilton-like strengths for Reich to exploit.

RB Devin Singletary

While the Panthers already spent significant money on Sanders, they could look to fill out the backfield a bit more with some competition. Singletary ran for 3,151 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns during his four years in Buffalo. No one will mistake Singletary as a workhorse, but he can complement Sanders in the backfield.

OT Josh Wells

The Panthers are in need of a swing tackle. While Wells will never “wow” anyone as a starter, he has experience at both tackle positions. He has also experience in the playoffs and can provide some veteran leadership in the locker room. He’s worth a one-year flier.

OT Le’Raven Clark

Like Wells, Clark is a veteran lineman who can fill a backup role. Clark played for Reich in Indianapolis and could be a system-setter in Carolina. Clark isn’t likely to cost much, despite having notable experience in the league.

G/C Michael Dunn

The Panthers are light on offensive line depth with Cam Erving and Michael Jordan on the open market. Dunn has the versatility to play guard and center, and he likely would be affordable after bouncing around the league as a former practice-squad player. Dunn’s versatility is particularly appealing as right guard Austin Corbett comes off an ACL injury.

DT A’Shawn Robinson

Robinson has a background with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero from their time in Los Angeles with the Rams. The 6-foot-4, 330-pounder has great size and strength and would be an excellent bookend complement for Derrick Brown. Robinson might be on the pricier side, but he is one of the more accomplished linemen left in the free-agent pool.

EDGE Ben Banogu

If the Panthers are looking for a logical backup for Frankie Luvu, Banogu makes sense as a low-cost addition. Banogu played for Reich for four seasons, and he would fit in nicely as a special teams ace. Banogu fits as a backup SAM linebacker in Evero’s system.

EDGE Oshane Ximines

While the Panthers seem to be happy with the weakside EDGE trio of Brian Burns, Marquis Haynes and Amare Barno, there’s still room for an upgrade on the depth chart. Ximines has experience in both odd and even fronts, and he can serve as every-down insurance for Burns. Adding some more experience to the EDGE position makes sense for the young defensive coaching staff.

LB Devin Bush

The Panthers are expected to add a complement to Shaq Thompson this offseason. Carolina’s depth at inside linebacker is lacking, and the team could use an influx of speed at the position. Bush has plenty of experience and a notable draft pedigree. Adding to him to the mix seems like a worthwhile move.

UPDATE: Bush has reached an agreement agreement with the Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL Network.

CB Tre Herndon

The Panthers will seemingly address the nickel corner position at some point this offseason. With Myles Hartsfield hitting the open market without a tender, Herndon could be a worthwhile replacement on a cheap, one-year deal. Herndon has plenty of experience at nickel and outside cornerback, and he is only 27.