Grading the Panthers' Free Agency Moves
The first big wave of free agent signings appears to be behind us as teams now resort to minor moves that help their depth and transition their focus to the 2023 NFL Draft which is now under a month away.
A lot has been made about what the Carolina Panthers did during that first wave of free agency, completely transforming their offense. Just how well did they do? Here are my grades for each signing.
QB Andy Dalton: A+
Andy Dalton is the perfect signing for what Carolina needs in a veteran quarterback, in my opinion. They don't need to overspend on a guy that's not going to see the field much, but they needed to bring in someone who has years of starting experience and will embrace the role of being a mentor. And if he is asked to be thrown into action, he can win you games.
RB Miles Sanders: A
Sanders had a breakout year this past season with Philly rushing for 1,269 yards and 11 scores. He proved he can be a workhorse out of the backfield, toting the ball 259 times. However, his production as a receiver has decreased each season, mainly due to a lack of targets. I'd like to see Carolina use him more in the facet of the offense and I expect them to, especially with a rookie QB who will be looking for a checkdown option.
WR Adam Thielen: B-
I thought the Panthers waited a tad too long to tap into the receiver market. That said, they still ended up with two pretty good additions. The only reason I have Thielen as a B- is because this doesn't really fix the situation long-term. He's going to be 33 in August and although he's on a three-year deal, you have to wonder if he'll see a dip in production before the end of that contract.
WR D.J. Chark: A
Carolina had to get a vertical threat and did so with the addition of Chark. He'll fit in nicely at the Z, allowing the Panthers to really stretch the field and take some shots. He's only on a one-year deal, but if the team has success, he will likely come back. Carolina has the money to pay him.
TE Hayden Hurst: B
Love the addition of Hurst. The Panthers FINALLY have a receiving threat at tight end, which will once again, give the rook a security blanket. That said, he's only gone over 415 yards once in his five-year career. Honestly thought Mike Gesicki would be a better option, but Hurst is no bum.
OL Justin McCray: B-
Carolina has its starting five up front, but they need to add some depth. McCray fits in nicely considering his background with o-line coach James Campen. He's not someone that you would want starting for 12-14 games, but if he has to come in for a couple of weeks to fill in, he can get the job done.
C Bradley Bozeman: A+
Bringing back Bozeman is just as big as any other move that Carolina made. He's a tone-setter, has firm control of what's going on up front, and does a good job of directing traffic. With him back in the fold, I expect the Panthers to be a top-10 offensive line in '23.
DL DeShawn Williams/DL Henry Anderson: D+
Williams and Anderson are not high-level producers by any means, but they can make a few plays here and there. Lumping them together here because they'll be competing for playing time.
DT Shy Tuttle: C+
I'm not exactly sure how I feel about this signing. He'll get the job done which is to free up Derrick Brown to make more plays, but aside from that, I question how much value he brings to this defense.
S Vonn Bell: A
Bell brings a lot to the table. He's coming off a really good year in pass coverage, where he set a new career-high with four interceptions. But he can also lay some big hits that lead to dislodging the ball. He's forced 15 fumbles throughout his career and has forced at least two in all but one season. Most importantly, his presence allows Jeremy Chinn to play down in the box.
K Eddy Pineiro: A+
Eddy was money following the blip in Atlanta. He made his final 19 field goal attempts of the season. This was the right decision as Zane Gonzalez hasn't been able to stay healthy over the past two years.
You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on Twitter:
Facebook - @PanthersOnSI
Twitter - @AllPanthers_ and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_.
