Free Agent WR Options for the Panthers

Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer took a huge swing at the dish on Friday, agreeing to trade DJ Moore, two first round picks, and two second round picks to the Chicago Bears in exchange for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft.

Landing the top pick in the draft is huge as Carolina will now get to have its choice of whichever quarterback they want to take. However, replacing DJ Moore isn't going to be easy. Currently, Terrace Marshall Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr., Shi Smith, and Preston Williams are the only receivers on the Panthers' roster.

Clearly, Fitterer and co. will be looking to spend money in free agency to help replace Moore's production.

Adam Thielen

Minnesota officially decided to release veteran receiver Adam Thielen on Friday. The 32-year-old has been one of the more consistent receivers in the game, when he is healthy. This past season, Thielen recorded 70 receptions for 716 yards and six touchdowns. He's not going to be the high volume receiver he used to be, but Carolina needs an experienced player in that room and Thielen fits that description.

Robert Woods

Woods isn't as dynamic or as explosive as he used to be, but he's a veteran receiver that can be a go-to threat on third down. During his time with the Rams, Woods was known for carving up opposing defenses in the middle of the field, converting third down after third down. He spent two years with Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown in Los Angeles (2020-21), so there is some level of familiarity. Carolina punter Johnny Hekker and right guard Austin Corbett have already put their recruiting hat on to try and help the team land Woods.

JuJu Smith-Schuster

JuJu is just a younger version of Adam Thielen, in my mind. He's very productive, but isn't necessarily one of the top receivers in the league. He's only 26-years-old, so he could still be a receiver that grows with the current nucleus in Carolina. In five years with the Steelers, Smith-Schuster notched 323 receptions for 3,855 yards and 26 touchdowns. In his lone season with the Chiefs, he went for 933 yards and three touchdowns on 78 receptions.

Mecole Hardman

Out of all the receivers available, I don't think there's a better fit for what Carolina wants than Mecole Hardman. He's a speedy, explosive receiver that can make plays in space that spent the first three years of his career being overshadowed by Tyreek Hill in Kansas City. The Chiefs expected him to help replace Hill's production this past season but suffered an abdominal injury that had him on the shelf for much of the season. He did, however, return for the AFC Championship game, catching three passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, he was unable to play in the Super Bowl, landing back on IR with a pelvic injury.

Parris Campbell

Frank Reich drafted Campbell in the second round when he was the head coach in Indianapolis and spent three years and some change with him. Campbell is someone that Reich views in high regard, but injuries have got in the way since he entered the league. He appeared in only 15 games during his first three years, but played in all 17 this past season, recording 63 receptions for 623 yards and three touchdowns. Campbell can absolutely fly, but his 9.9 yards per catch in 2022 would lead you to believe otherwise. The Colts had extremely poor quarterback play which had a direct impact on Campbell and his numbers. He should be a relatively cheap option considering his injury history.

Jamison Crowder

Crowder is another veteran option that isn't going to necessarily take the offense to another level, but more of a steady hand that brings several years of experience to the table. For his career, he averages 51.8 receptions, 583.3 yards, and 3.5 touchdowns per season. He also has some experience as a punt returner, so if Carolina wants to move on from Andre Roberts, Crowder is a good replacement considering he can be more of a factor in the offense. He spent two years with Panthers wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson with the Jets (2019-20).

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