Baltimore Ravens

Panthers: Three Targets at Wide Receiver in Free Agency

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:54 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Zachary Lange/FanSided via Cat Crave

With an offense that struggled in the pass attack, who are some free agent targets for the Carolina Panthers to target for next year?

As the 2017 NFL offseason draws close, a number of concerns arise within the Carolina Panthers depth chart. One of the key concerns, is at the wide receiver position.

After this past season which had the Panthers pass efficiency drop in dramatic fashion General Manager Dave Gettleman is left to pick up the pieces in the offseason. In 2015, the team passer rating for the Panthers was ranked 7th in the league. This past season featured a nosedive to 29th overall.

One of the key contributors to the lack of a passing attack were the receivers themselves. Far too often, nobody on the field created proper separation from their defender leading to an eventual collapse of the pocket and forced throwing decisions. Part of this separation issue could be due to a poorly drawn up play call, but the lack of coordination should not fully excuse the receiver from one of their main jobs – getting away from the defense.

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Ted Ginn is 32 and a free agent at the end of this season. Given his age and rollercoaster like lack of consistency, it would come as a moderate shock if the Panthers chose to re-sign him. Devin Funchess has still yet to prove himself after being a second round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, while Kelvin Benjamin drew criticism over his lack of effort on the field.

Even if Benjamin is the current No. 1 starter, who should line up across from him? All other in house options are currently unproven. The Panthers need to be looking at the free agent market to sign a proven role player who can offer some more grit to a currently deflated passing attack.

The question is, on who should the Panthers focus?

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Robert Woods (10) catches a ball in the end zone for a touchdown during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at New Era Field. Buffalo beat San Francisco 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Woods – Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills speedster Robert Woods could be a viable slot option for the Panthers passing attack. In quarterback Cam Newton’s time in Carolina, there has never been a consistent slot receiver option for when the offensive line collapses. Woods could be that security blanket.

There is a lot of upside to Woods. He has above average route running and speed, achieving separation through the seams of the field. This season, Woods hauled in 51 receptions for 613 yards and a touchdown. Consistently, Woods has been around the 600 yard mark with about 50-60 receptions but he has yet to take the next step forward into becoming starter grade material. A role in Carolina may propel him to that point.

Woods is used to having a lanky receiver starting in Sammy Watkins and could find a nice home in the slot option of Carolina’s passing attack or make the leap to line up as the No. 2 receiver.

Nov 22, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Kamar Aiken (11) catches a touchdown over St. Louis Rams cornerback Marcus Roberson (47) in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Kamar Aiken – Baltimore Ravens

This past season was a step back for Kamar Aiken, the Baltimore Ravens receiver out of UCF. In 2015, injuries to Breshad Perriman and Steve Smith Sr. led Aiken to starting in 14 games and

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having a near 1,000 yard season on 75 receptions. But this season, Smith and Perriman were back for Baltimore and Aiken’s production was relegated to only 328 yards on 29 receptions.

Aiken has shown that he can be a very reliable receiver in the league and he believes in his ability.

“I’m a starter in this league, and I feel like I can make a lot of plays, and I make plays when they come my way,” said Aiken in an interview with The Baltimore Sun.

Given a friendly price point for a low risk contract and his prior success, Aiken is a very intriguing starting No. 2 option for the Panthers.

Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Bears 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Cordarrelle Patterson – Minnesota Vikings

Make no mistake, Vikings wide receiver and return man Cordarrelle Patterson is more than just a speed option. Patterson had a career high 52 receptions this season and made eight appearances as a starter while holding on to his regular kick return duties. In just four seasons, Patterson already has multiple Vikings special team’s records, including most kickoff return yards.

Patterson is a native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, only 30 minutes away from Bank of America Stadium. Not only could Patterson be a home town favorite, he could address the kick and punt return questions rather easily while contributing to the Panthers pass attack.

Regardless of who is signed for the Panthers, the position is in current need of outside options and the likes of Woods, Aiken, and Patterson could give the offense a facelift next year.

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