Failed Panthers WR Joins AFC Contender

Former Panthers WR Keith Kirkwood, who played in Carolina in 2020 and 2021, has agreed to join the Baltimore Ravens in free agency after spending the last two years with the New Orleans Saints.

Kirkwood played in only four games over two seasons with the Panthers, catching four passes for 30 yards in the process. Originally an undrafted free agent in 2018, Kirkwood hopes to stick on the Ravens' roster and help Baltimore build off an AFC Championship appearance last year.

His most significant contributions came in his rookie year with the Saints, catching 13 passes for 209 yards, so not much is expected from the acquisition.

Former Panthers WR Keith Kirkwood Signs With Ravens

Appearing in 13 games with the Saints last year, Kirkwood hauled in just five passes for 37 yards and a TD. At best, he's an end-of-the-rotation depth piece, though we've seen late-stage breakouts at the position before.

Kirkwood has ideal size at 6'3", 210 LBs, but has never been able to stick on a roster or earn significant snaps. Baltimore has an uneven wide receiver room, so perhaps Kirkwood can find some playing time in his new home.

For the Panthers, this news isn't particularly significant. Carolina is focused on improving from last year's miserable 2-15 campaign, overhauling the offensive supporting cast around QB Bryce Young in hopes of a competitive season.

Adam Thielen, Diontae Johnson, and Xavier Legette give the Panthers a strong group of receivers, reducing the need for a journeyman like Kirkwood. We wish him the best of luck with the Ravens though don't expect much at this point in his career.

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