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UFL champion could re-sign with Panthers in free agency

The Carolina Panthers may re-sign one of their former players to help boost their offense.
Birmingham Stallions receiver Deon Cain runs for a a gain in the second half against the Pittsburgh Maulers.
Birmingham Stallions receiver Deon Cain runs for a a gain in the second half against the Pittsburgh Maulers. | Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent / USA TODAY NETWORK

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The Carolina Panthers are trying to make some tweaks to their roster ahead of next month's training camp, and they may want to try and bring back a familiar face.

Former Panthers wide receiver Deon Cain was with the practice squad from August until October, but he made a lot of noise this season in the UFL for the Birmingham Stallions.

Bleacher Report writer Brent Sobleski listed Cain as one of five UFL players deserving of another chance in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Deon Cain against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Deon Cain against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

"The 28-year-old was clearly the best wide receiver in the UFL. In fact, he's been a standout during all three of his campaigns—all with the Birmingham Stallions—with USFL and UFL championships, a 2023 USFL Championship Game MVP nod and an All-UFL selection this year," Sobleski wrote.

"At 6'2", Cain is a physical target who excels after the catch. He thrived as the UFL's top vertical presence this past season. He ranked third with 514 receiving yards, despite missing a game. His six touchdown snags was good for second. He led the league with an average of 57.1 receiving yards per game and 17.7 yards per catch.

"His 421 kick return yards also ranked among the league's top five."

The Panthers are deep at wide receiver after taking Tetairoa McMillan and Jimmy Horn Jr. in the NFL Draft this April. They also signed former Las Vegas Raiders wideout Hunter Renfrow to team up with Xavier Legette and veteran wideout Adam Thielen among others.

That being said, injuries pop up and it wouldn't hurt to have someone familiar with the system in the building in case things were to go awry.

Perhaps Cain is a player worth giving another chance to.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Deon Cain against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Deon Cain against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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