If it happens, the 2020 NFL season is going to be a unique one. Teams have been unable to hold any kind of offseason program to date except in a virtual setting and the league is looking at cancelling half of the preseason schedule. This means that teams with continuity and familiarity will have an advantage over those that don’t.
That’s bad news for the Carolina Panthers, who have lost more snaps from 2019 than any team in the league by a huge margin. Bringing back some familiar faces could help. Here are five free agents who used to play for the Panthers they should consider.
TE Ed Dickson
The loss of Greg Olsen hit the Panthers hard and they haven’t made any significant additions at tight end since. Especially after Seth DeValve was released due to a non football injury, the team could use more depth at this position. Dickson was never a star, but at the very least he would bring experience to a young and unproven tight end room that needs it. In 2018 with the Seahawks, Dickson scored three touchdowns and caught 12 of 13 targets from Russell Wilson. For the league minimum, he’s worth a look.
DT Kyle Love
Going into the 2019 season, Carolina had more depth and talent at defensive tackle than any team in the NFL. They were also spending the most at the position. Now, the cupboard is relatively bare after Gerald McCoy, Dontari Poe and Vernon Butler all left in free agency. If either Kawann Short or Derrick Brown get injured, this is going to be a huge problem. Love is underrated, well respected and can boost the interior rotation on the cheap.
CB Javien Elliott
Cornerback remains the most problematic position for the Panthers defense. The biggest issue is that they still don’t have a true slot cornerback on the roster other than Corn Elder. Elliott wasn’t terrible in coverage last season, allowing an 87.8 passer rating when targeted and zero touchdowns. He’s also just 26 years old and still has room and time to improve. At the very least, he’d offer another option at a position of need.
CB Ross Cockrell
The slot is a problem but outside corner could turn out to be a disaster for Phil Snow’s defense. At the moment, it looks like Donte Jackson and Eli Apple will be starting outside. Both struggled in 2019 and their best backup at the moment is the rookie Troy Pride Jr., whose size could be an issue. Cockrell played relatively well last year after recovering from a devastating leg injury. He wound up starting in 11 games and only gave up a 68.6 passer rating in coverage. If he cleans up his tackling, Cockrell could turn out to be a great depth signing.
S Kurt Coleman
Truth is, depth is an issue all over the back end of Carolina’s young defense. The Panthers drafted two promising safeties in Jeremy Chinn and Kenny Robinson, but after releasing Eric Reid for no good reason they could stand to add some more experience. Coleman has played in 146 regular games in his career, including 83 starts. He could come in handy if any of the safeties currently on the roster get injured.
