The Carolina Panthers made an under-the-radar free agent move last week that has the potential to make everyone’s life a little easier, especially Cam Newton’s.
The Panthers signed Chris Hogan, a 30-year-old wide receiver that has proven himself a reliable and capable deep threat in the NFL. He spent his last three seasons with the New England Patriots, where he went to three consecutive Super Bowls, winning two. In addition to championship experience, Hogan brings sharp route running, willing blocking and efficiency as a receiver.
His best year in New England was in 2016 when he averaged 17.9 yards per catch. Hogan won’t blow past anybody, but he knows how to get open. For example, the only player on the Panthers that created more separation per route than Hogan last season was Jarius Wright.
Hogan brings a lot of value with a contract that reportedly has a max of just $2 million. The Panthers don’t have a lot of money to spend this offseason, so this kind of low-key pickup is essential to their 2019 team-building strategy.
Overall, there’s a lot to like about this signing and very little downside.
We give the move an A. What about you?
