Carolina Panthers free agency 2021: Top 5 targets

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 04: Taylor Moton #72 of the Carolina Panthers blocks Zach Allen #94 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 12: Hunter Henry #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after a three-yard touchdownagainst the New Orleans Saints during their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 12, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

2. Hunter Henry

The Panthers have been looking for a quality pass-catching tight end ever since letting Greg Olsen head to Seattle. They gave Ian Thomas a chance to seize the starting position for his own in 2020, but he looks more like a reserve than anything resembling a difference-maker.

Henry may never develop into an All-Pro, but he’s clearly the top tight end available in free agency this offseason. He was a big help for Justin Herbert in Los Angeles last season. The Panthers would love to get 60 catches for 613 yards and four touchdowns out of their starting tight end next year.

Adding Henry to the team’s receiving corps could complete Carolina’s work at the skill positions. D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson give the Panthers two high-quality wideouts to work with. Deploying Henry as both an in-line tight end and slot receiver could give Rhule’s offense all the flexibility and talent it needs to torment opposing defenses for the foreseeable future.

Signing Henry in free agency would also stop Carolina from spending a high draft pick on the tight end position. Kyle Pitts is a prospect that could make sense for the Panthers at No. 8. The Panthers need to add a new starter at tight end one way or another this offseason. Henry could easily be Rhule’s new toy when the 2021 season kicks off.

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