The Carolina Panthers have to feel good heading into the offseason. After starting out the season looking like the worst team in the NFL, they turned their season around. Former number one overall pick Bryce Young showed incredible improvement throughout the season, tossing all 15 of his touchdowns in 10 games. He started to limit interceptions, and many fans are feeling better about the direction of the franchise. The Panthers are bringing back a promising young target for Young, Tommy Tremble, signing him to a two-year deal.
Carolina Panthers Re-Sign Tommy Tremble
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports it is a two-year, $16 million deal with $8 million guaranteed. Tremble was a third-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Notre Dame product hasn’t put up huge numbers but has shown promise over his first four seasons. For his career, he has 85 receptions for 782 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Carolina Panthers hope that the former Notre Dame product can make a leap in the next year or two. The deal is a good one for the team. If he takes a leap, the team has him on a cheap contract. If he doesn’t, the team isn’t tied to him long-term. The other aspect of this signing is it gives the offense a pass catching weapon which it desperately needs.
Pass-Catchers Needed
Adam Thielen was the leading receiver for the Carolina Panthers last season, with 615 yards. That is not a recipe for success. Thielen is a good player but is in the twilight of his career. Rookie Xavier Legette showed promise but made rookie mistakes throughout the year. Many have projected the team to take one of the top wide receivers in the upcoming draft but there are also some great free agent options.
There are some quality veterans the Carolina Panthers could sign that would still have plenty left in the tank. However they get them, the team needs more weapons for Young. There is only so much a quarterback can do if the pass-catchers are not up to snuff. The hope is that players like Legette and Jalen Coker take a leap, and the offense can become more dangerous.
Final Thoughts
The Carolina Panthers, like many teams, have locked down some of their players before free agency begins. This gives the team a clearer picture of what they can do once the new league year begins on March 12. Can the Panthers compete in a weak NFC South this year with a good offseason?