Carolina Panthers

Panthers 2017 Potential Free Agent Targets

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:21 p.m. ET

Fansided, Joshua Powell/FanSided via Cat Crave

Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera looks on during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 28-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Following are seven potential free agents the Carolina Panthers may target during the offseason…

It’s the time of the year where teams start evaluating rosters, begin looking at how to get better in the offseason, and the Carolina Panthers are no exception. In fact, they have already started resigning players as linebacker Ben Jacobs has already been resigned.

The Panthers enter free agency with anywhere from $50-$62 million in cap space, the largest amount the team has had in a long time.

Free agency is fast approaching and it is time to take a look at potential free agent targets for Carolina. No potential resignings here, only new players the Panthers may add this offseason to improve the team in 2017.

Nov 8, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Julius Peppers (56) stands on the sidelines during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Packers 37-29. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Julius Peppers, Defensive End/Linebacker

Yes, you probably hate the way he left Carolina, but Peppers is still the franchise leader with 81 sacks. Additionally, It would be great to see Peppers retire as a Panther. More than just a headlining story and nice reunion, Peppers can still play as evidenced by his 7.5 sacks this past season.

Another reason Peppers could sign with the Panthers is because he is a North Carolina native and may want to return home for the end of his career. Head coach Ron Rivera could utilize Peppers as a defensive end and rotate him in on obvious passing downs.

It seems this is a win-win situation and could provide a good pass rushing option for the 2017 season.

Potential Contract: 1 year, $5 million

Next: Former QB Turned WR

Sep 8, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Terrelle Pryor, Wide Receiver

Cam Newton did not have a good year in 2016 and some of the blame falls on the wide receiver group. If you watched the games you could see Newton getting sacked even when he had plenty of time. If you continued watching, replays showed nobody getting enough separation to allow Newton to target them.

It is great having big receivers but you also need speed. Yes, Ted Ginn Jr. is fast but he has so many drops it offsets his incredible speed. Corey Brown is more of a depth wide receiver so he is not a favorable option either.

Looking over the wide receivers in free agency this season you can see one guy that seems to stand out as a player for the Panthers. That guy is Terrelle Pryor, who put up 1,007 yards receiving in 2016 along with 13.1 yards per reception.

Also, did I mention he boasts a 4.38, 40-yard dash? An incredible mix of speed and size with a breakout season last year, Pryor proved he is a potential weapon on any roster.

If the Panthers are serious about evolving the offense and helping protect Newton, they could sign Pryor to a contract to be used as a better version of Ted Ginn Jr.

Potential Contract: 4 years, $34.5 million

Next: The Answer At Safety

Nov 13, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) tries to evade Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Chiefs won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Berry, Safety

The Panthers had issues at the safety positions last season. Tre Boston did not pan out as well as some may of thought he would, however, the Panthers can correct their problems this offseason.

This is where Eric Berry comes into play.

Berry is a beast at the free safety position; a good tackler who can pick off passes as well. He ended the 2016 season with 77 tackles and 4 interceptions. Berry would be a perfect fit next to Kurt Coleman in the secondary.

If Carolina does not believe in Boston as the future starter they could look to fill his position with a signing such as Berry.

Potential Contract: 4 years, $40 million

Next: Two Tight End Sets

Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Jack Doyle, Tight End

One weakness the Panthers have not turned into a strength, is the tight end position. Yes, Greg Olsen is a future Pro Football Hall of Fame member, but he has not had a good tight end opposite of him since Jeremy Shockey in 2011.

That just so happens to be one of the best years offensively for the Panthers outside of the 2015 season. Ron Rivera mentioned recently that he would like to start running more two tight end sets.

Jack Doyle could be a solution to replacing Ed Dickson, who has not been very productive since joining the Panthers. Doyle would be relatively cheap and is young at only 26 years old. He had 584 receiving yards to go along with 9.9 yards per reception.

Not only does his pass catching capabilities makes him a good fit, Doyle is also a good blocker. If Rivera really wants the offense to evolve then he may look at signing a player like Doyle.

Potential Contract: 4 years, $27 million

Next: Former Captain Returning to Carolina

Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (24) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Captain Munnerlyn, Cornerback

The Panthers struggled this past season in the secondary and it was never completely corrected during the season. Now that we are in the offseason the Panthers may look to address a big hole at the nickel corner position.

More from Cat Crave

One name that could be intriguing to the Panthers is a former player, Captain Munnerlyn.

Munnerlyn is a legit nickel corner, nothing less and nothing more. Munnerlyn woudl provide experience to a young secondary and solidifies a position of weakness.

Hopefully, wide receiver Devin Funchess would forgive him for his trash talk this past season. Munnerlyn said “Me personally, and I never talk like this, but I don’t think he is that good, No. 17”.

That may cause some problems but I doubt the two would let it become a major issue.

Potential Contract: 2 years, $5.5 million

Next: Fast And Reliable

Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Stills, Wide Receiver

Kenny Stills is another potential wide receiver with speed who could be on the Panthers’ radar during the free agency period. Stills is fast and a solid route runner. He finished last season with 726 yards along with 17.3 yards per reception.

Stills would be a perfect addition next to Kelvin Benjamin, replacing Funchess. The former second round pick has not improved much during his two seasons with the Panthers and could find his way to the bench soon.

Stills is a better option for Carolina alongside Benjamin.

Potential Contract: 5 years, $43.5 million

Next: Nothing Like Family

Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) laughs with Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil (67) following the game at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle

This past season we saw Newton get beaten like a bad child visiting their grandmother. It was so evident that at one point Newton spoke with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about protecting him better, to no avail.

This offseason the Panthers need to find some depth along the offensive line and in particular the tackle group. Every Panthers; fan knows the name Kalil and if you are a die hard fan of Carolina you know that Matt Kalil is the younger brother of center, Ryan Kalil.

Matt is a solid tackle and not much more. However, he can provide depth on the team and the potential to turn his career around becoming a starter at left tackle.

At his worse he provides good depth and at his best he is the left tackle Carolina needs. With Michael Oher struggling to return from a serious concussion, Kalil may be the long term answer at tackle.

Potential Contract: 4 years, $20 million

This article originally appeared on