The Carolina Panthers have plenty of room for improvement this offseason, especially when it comes to the passing game. Upgrading the wide receiver room should be near the top of the Panthers 'to-do' list this spring after finishing the 2024 campaign with the worst receiving grade (63.3) on Pro Football Focus.
With Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette being the only legitimate receivers under contract, the Panthers would be wise to target various playmakers when free agency begins next month. In fact, an NFL analyst has one specific name Carolina should target when free agency begins next month.
Panthers Urged to Sign WR Darius Slayton in Free Agency
On Tuesday, ESPN's Matt Bowen wrote an article about the best fits for this offseason's top 50 free agents. He suggests a couple of names for the Panthers to target, including veteran wideout Darius Slayton.
"Carolina could use Slayton to boost the pass game around quarterback Bryce Young," Bowen wrote. "Slayton is a veteran who can stretch the field from perimeter alignments and make contested catches."
The best team fits for our Top 50 NFL free agents.
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) February 18, 2025
Tee Higgins — WASH
Trey Smith — CHI
Khalil Mack — GB
JK Dobbins — CLE
Nick Bolton — DEN
It’s up at ESPN+ https://t.co/WjLCc42Akj
With the Panthers potentially adding young playmakers through the 2025 draft, signing Slayton — who boasts a ton of NFL experience — makes sense. Alongside Thielen, the 28-year-old receiver would give third-year quarterback Bryce Young another reliable weapon to target.
Drafted 171st overall in 2019, Slayton has spent his entire six-year career with the New York Giants. The former Auburn pass-catcher's numbers were down in 2024 as he recorded 39 receptions for 573 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 16 appearances. Having said that, the Giants had one of the worst offenses in the NFL, making him the victim of an unfortunate circumstance.
Even if his best days are behind him, Slayton is still solid enough to help the Panthers.
For starters, his 14.7 yards per reception last season would've put him just behind Jalen Coker, who paced the Panthers with 14.9. Slayton also recorded two 100-yard performances in 2024, which is only one fewer than Thielen, Coker, and Legette had combined.
That's without mentioning Slayton's Giants-leading 74.3 pass block grade, highlighting how he's more than just another receiver.
According to Spotrac, Slayton's next contract could see him earn $15.8 million annually. Although that isn't a minuscule amount, it's more affordable than other receivers for the Panthers, who OverTheCap lists as having around $28.8 million to spend in free agency.
While he won't take them to the playoffs on his own, Slayton is the perfect receiver to help bring the Panthers' offense to the next level. Carolina can begin negotiating with the seasoned playmaker when the NFL's free agent tampering period begins on Monday, March 10.