Carolina Panthers free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 10: Seattle Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark (55) celebrates in the second quarter during a game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, December 10, 2018 at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Frank Clark

Julius Peppers has finally decided to retire and that’s leaves the Panthers with a gaping hole at one of their defensive end spots. It may take more than one offseason acquisition to compensate for Peppers’ retirement.

Then again, the Panthers could also choose to take a deep dive into free agency to sign a potential star to replace him. Acquiring a player of Clark’s caliber won’t be cheap for Carolina, but it could pay off big time. He’s coming off a massive 13 sack season with the Seahawks.

Clark is more than just an edge rusher though. He shows a real ability to set the edge against the run game as well. That’s something the Panthers didn’t have when Peppers was on the field. Signing Clark would give Carolina the ability to deploy Mario Addison on the other side without hesitation. Addison is a terrific pass rusher, but he lacks the size to stand up against physical run blockers.

It’s very possible the Panthers will spend a high draft pick on an edge rusher in April, but that doesn’t mean they will ignore the position in free agency. Getting one player through each manner would be ideal for Carolina’s present and future defensive line.

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