Old North Banter
Fansided

Carolina Panthers: Free Agents that should interest the Panthers

By Brandon Croce

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Strong safety Kenny Vaccaro #32 of the New Orleans Saints argues a penalty during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Strong safety Kenny Vaccaro #32 of the New Orleans Saints argues a penalty during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 19: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the Oakland Raiders reacts during their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 19: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the Oakland Raiders reacts during their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Linebacker

The other concern on the defensive side of the ball is depth at linebacker. The Panthers have one of the best starting linebacker groups in the NFL with Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and Shaq Thompson.

The concern is that the depth behind these three is very suspect with David Mayo the only player having NFL experience at linebacker. These Panthers’ linebackers, while very good on the field, also have injury concerns, with Kuechly missing time the past three years due to head injuries and Davis’ ACL injuries earlier in his career.

These injuries, combined with Davis’ four-game suspension, will test the depth at the position.

The Panthers did address the position in the NFL Draft, however waiting until the fifth and seventh round with selections of Jermaine Carter Jr. and Andre Smith respectively. While these two players have potential to step into a starting role, especially Smith if he is able to bounce back from his knee injury.

A player like Navarro Bowman would be a great addition to this Panthers’ defense. The biggest question is if Bowman is still looking for a starting job and would he be willing to accept a backup role with this team.

Home/North Carolina Sports