Panthers Add Desperately-Needed Speed From Unlikely Source

The Carolina Panthers have made it a priority to add weapons around second-year quarterback Bryce Young, especially at the wide receiver position.

The Panthers acquired veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this offseason. Then Carolina used their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on former South Carolina standout Xavier Legette.

Legette, Johnson, and Adam Thielen are a supreme upgrade over what the Panthers had last season. However, for the Panthers to be a threat in the NFC South, they need an additional big play, speed threat at wide receiver, along with Legette.

Panthers News: Carolina Adds All-UFL Wide Receiver After 2024 UFL Regular Season

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Thursday that the Panthers are expected to sign Memphis Showboats wide receiver Daewood Davis. Before landing in the UFL this season, Davis spent last preseason with the Miami Dolphins, who signed him as an undrafted free agent.

The 6-foot-2 wide receiver was one of the better big-play wide receivers in the UFL despite the Showboats struggling offensively. Davis was named to the All-UFL Offensive Team, alongside wide receivers Hakeem Butler and Marcus Simms.

The former Western Kentucky receiver knows how to get open and uses his speed to create big plays in the passing game. This season with the Showboats, Davis posted 41 receptions for 446 yards and five touchdowns.

Davis joins a crowded Panthers receiver room, which features a lot of young talent. The All-UFL wide receiver will have a tough time making the 53-man roster due to the abundance of young players at the position. 

However, the Showboats wide receiver will have ample opportunities to make plays on offense and maybe could see some time in the kick return game with his speed.

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