3 Free Agents the Panthers Should Still Sign Before the NFL Draft
By Cem Yolbulan
The Carolina Panthers, just like the other 31 teams in the NFL, are focused on the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Especially for a young team like the Panthers who are in the early stages of a rebuild, the draft is the most important event of the offseason. Despite not having a first-round pick, Carolina will look to add more talent to the roster after the disastrous 2-15 season in 2023.
Being laser-focused on the draft, however, doesn't mean ignoring the free-agent market. There are still plenty of players available on the market who could potentially help the Panthers get back to respectability. Let's take a look at a few free agents Carolina should consider signing.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR
The Panthers added Diontae Johnson via a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That will certainly go a long way in improving the pass-catching rotation of the team but it will not be enough.
Carolina had the worst passing offenses in the NFL last season, ranking last in yards and yards per attempt, while only scoring 13 passing TDs for the year. Adam Thielen is aging and Jonathan Mingo is still unproven. It behooves the Panthers to add another dangerous threat for Bryce Young to see what the young signal-caller is capable of.
Do you know what would help with that NFL-worst yards per attempt? Adding one of the best deep threats in the league in Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
MVS may not be the player he was in his Packers days but he was still effective for the Chiefs during their last two Super Bowl runs. Yes, he can be frustrating at times with all the dropped balls, but the Panthers need experienced playmakers who can get downhill. There aren't too many better options than Valdes-Scantling.