The Carolina Panthers should assess free agents playing in Super Bowl 58 as they look ahead to 2024. After a 2 and 15 season, all focus should be on fixing the offense. Three Super Bowl players could provide some much needed support as the Panthers look to get back on track in 2024.
Three Super Bowl Free Agents the Carolina Panthers Should Target
Donovan Smith, LT, Kansas City Chiefs
Given the level of play Donovan Smith has accomplished this season, it is admittedly unlikely the Panthers would sign him. They already have left tackle Ikem Ekwonu to fill this role. However, a veteran presence like Smith could be just what the doctor ordered after Ekwonu’s disappointing 2023 season.
Despite being a first-round pick, Ekwonu failed to lead the Panthers in pass blocking in 2023, according to PFF’s pass blocking grades. His step back has been well documented, making 2024 a critical year for his development.
Bringing in a veteran player like Smith, who is on the verge of receiving his second Super Bowl ring, could support Ekwonu’s development. Similarly, it would bring in some competition to push Ekwonu to maintain his role as the starting left tackle.
Jon Feliciano, G, San Francisco 49ers
As disappointing as Ekwonu’s season was, the Panthers particularly struggled at the guard position. Some of this can be associated with the amount of injuries, but it also relates to the degree of youth. Three of the four players with the most snaps at guard were in their first or second year.
Meanwhile, Jon Feliciano is about to enter his tenth season in the league. He has seen increased action in his past five years, playing for the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, and now the 49ers.
As the Panthers look to get their offensive line back to their 2022 prowess, they desperately need depth and experience. Feliciano provides both and can support the development of young players, such as Chandler Zavala and Cade Mays. Plus, he can move around the line, providing more versatile depth if necessary.
Ray-Ray McCloud, WR, San Francisco 49ers
It is no secret that the Carolina Panthers need to bring in wide receiver talent. While their eyes should be set on the prize of Tee Higgins, any positive auxiliary pass catchers will help. Ray-Ray McCloud brings a dynamism the Panthers often lacked in 2023.
While McCloud has never been an every down receiver, he has a history of being an effective motion man, getting manufactured touches on jet sweeps and keeping the defense off balance. The Panthers used motion on only 15% of their plays, ranking 25th in the league. Motion has become a necessary aspect of dynamic offenses. McCloud has the experience navigating lots of motion and can bring that ability to the Panthers.
Final motion report for the 2023 season!
In 2017 NFL teams put a man in motion at the snap 4% of the time, on average. In 2023 the average was 22%!
Data via @ESPNStatsInfo video tracking team. pic.twitter.com/Ar67rJ9yWE
— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) January 16, 2024
Additionally, any ability for the Panthers to gain an edge in the run game is a plus. The San Francisco 49ers are known for developing wide receivers who can run block. McCloud is no exception. Adding his run blocking to skills to the likes of Jonathan Mingo can bring an extra element to the Panthers 2024 offense.
While there are many defensive stars playing in Super Bowl 58 who are set to become free agents, the Panthers need to get the offense right. Any other path could lead to a bust in first overall pick Bryce Young, which could set this organization back for several years.
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Main Photo Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
