Carolina Panthers free agency 2018: Top 5 targets

3. Isaiah Crowell

Jonathan Stewart very well will not be back with the Panthers next year and this is an offense that needs a power runner. Christian McCaffrey brought a lot to the table as a rookie and is already an exceptional receiving option, but he can’t carry the load and was rather ineffective as a pure running back. Crowell is a no-nonsense runner with size, power and burst. He is shiftier than often given credit for and can act as a dump-off option in the passing game.

In a terrible Browns offense, Crowell averaged 4.1 yards per carry last year. But in 2016 he was busting off runs at 4.8 yards per clip. He has more big play ability than most tend to think.

Crowell is only 25-years-old and shouldn’t come at an exuberant price tag. He also makes the Panthers younger at running back, is an upgrade over Stewart while eliminating a draft day need.