Carolina Panthers: 5 Big-name targets in 2018 NFL Free Agency

Following a last-place finish, the Carolina Panthers enjoyed a bounce back campaign in 2017. What can they do in free agency to get back to the Super Bowl?

It’s been a long and strange ride for the Carolina Panthers. The franchise first took the field in 1995 and one year later was within one victory of reaching Super Bowl XXXI. Fast forward to 2001, when an opening-day win over the Minnesota Vikings was followed by 15 consecutive losses.

But two years later under head coach John Fox, the Panthers were in Super Bowl XXXVIII. A 32-29 loss to the emerging dynasty known as the New England Patriots was disappointing but certainly a cause for optimism.

Yet, the rollercoaster ride would continue. And the fact remains that as the club enters its 24th NFL campaign, the Panthers still haven’t posted consecutive winning seasons. Yes, Ron Rivera’s club has reached the playoffs four of the past five years and in 2015, finished 15-1 and face the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. But that strong showing was followed by a 6-10 disaster and a last-place finish in the NFC South.

Carolina comes off an 11-5 season and reached the playoffs via the wild card route. But the team would lose in the first round, one of three overall setbacks to the New Orleans Saints in 2017. More importantly than the Panthers’ quest for a second straight plus-.500 campaign is finding a way to knock off Sean Payton’s club and get back to the postseason.

So what can general manager Marty Hurney and the organization due when it comes to free agency? Here are five interesting options.

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