The Carolina Panthers are heading into a very important offseason. It is the second season under head coach Matt Rhule, but the first he will be hands-on after the organization parted ways with general manager Marty Hurney in December.
The biggest question that has been surrounding the Panthers is what they will do at the quarterback position. Teddy Bridgewater is a solid player, but looks like a placeholder. Carolina could select their quarterback of the future in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. They are also in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes.
No matter who is under center in Carolina next season and beyond, they need to upgrade the pass catchers. The wide receiver group is in good shape with Robby Anderson and DJ Moore, but the same cannot be said about the tight end position.
Last season, the Panthers had the worst tight end production in the NFL, totaling the least receiving yards and having only three receptions of at least 15 yards; four fewer than any other team.
Upgrading there would bring another dimension to the offense under Joe Brady. Here are four players the Panthers should target at the tight end position this offseason.
4. Gerald Everett
Last season with the Los Angeles Rams, Gerald Everett didn’t have the best stats, but that wasn’t all his own doing. The Rams have another tight end, Tyler Higbee, that they like and the quarterback play from Jared Goff was underwhelming.
If Everett is looking for an expanded role, the Panthers could provide that to him. He is still young at 26 years old and is itching for a chance to showcase his talents. The 41 receptions for 417 yards and one touchdown are statistics Everett would could produce in half of a season if given the chance.
Everett has experience as a blocker in the Rams’ system, but he excels as a pass-catcher. In 2018 and 2019, Everett was among the top-10 highest-rated receivers at the tight end spot in the league.
That kind of potential could really blossom in an offense led by Brady, who has shown a penchant to get his playmakers involved in the passing game.
3. Jared Cook
If the Panthers decide they want to spend their cap space elsewhere, a cheaper veteran could be where they go at the tight end spot. Jared Cook would fit that bill.
There is virtually zero chance Cook returns to the New Orleans Saints, as they have no salary cap space to fit new deals in. Cook had two strong seasons with the Saints, but at 33 years old, he may find it difficult to land a lucrative long-term deal. If that occurs, the Panthers should pounce.
Despite his age, Cook has proven to be a useful weapon offensively. He is a strong red zone target, catching 16 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Saints. Cook still presents a mismatch for opposing defenses given his size and would provide a good safety valve for the quarterback.
Cook has been consistent as well. He ranks fifth in receiving grade since 2018 and would provide a steadying influence for Carolina if they brought him in.
2. Kyle Pitts
If the Carolina Panthers are looking for a long-term, cost-efficient option at the tight end position, they could use their first-round pick on Florida star Kyle Pitts. Pitts would be a massive upgrade for the Panthers at the tight end spot.
There is a reason that Pitts is such a highly rated prospect in this year’s draft class. He is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses with the speed, athleticism, and skill set of a wide receiver, but the size of a tight end. He can stretch the field up the seam and presents a great red zone target for whoever is at quarterback.
His receiving stats are truly eye-popping. He caught 43 passes for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns in eight games. He missed some for injury and the team holding him out for precaution. If you extrapolate his stats over the length of a full college season, it would come out to 70 receptions, 1,252 yards, and 20 touchdowns.
The only real knock against Pitts is that he isn’t the strongest blocker, but he has at least shown a willingness to do it in his college career. As long as he continues putting in the work there, he has a chance to become one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
His willingness to learn is a major positive. Too often receiving tight ends don’t want to participate in the blocking game, but that is not the case with Pitts. If the Panthers pass on a quarterback in the draft, Pitts should be their target.
1. Jonnu Smith
The No. 1 target for the Panthers this offseason at the tight end position should be Jonnu Smith. Smith has spent the first four years of his career with the Tennessee Titans. The Titans are as run-heavy as any team in the league, so if Smith wants to cash in elsewhere to showcase his receiving ability, the Panthers present a great opportunity.
Smith has shown flashes despite limited opportunities with Tennessee. He is an explosive athlete and would give the Panthers someone who can create after the catch. Smith ranked third in 2019 in yards after the catch at 6.8 for tight ends and sixth in broken tackles with 17.
Carolina also wouldn’t lose anything in the run game with Smith on the field. Given his experience in the Titans’ offensive scheme, you know he can get it done as a blocker in the run game.
Given his age, as he is only 25, and his skill-set, Smith could be the long-term answer at the tight end position for Carolina. He brings a lot to the table to like and is a player Joe Brady would love to get his hands on and utilize.
