NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

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

By Russell S. Baxter

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 31: Nate Allen #29 of the Miami Dolphins warms up before the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on August 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Dolphins defeated the Vikings 30-9. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 31: Nate Allen #29 of the Miami Dolphins warms up before the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on August 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Dolphins defeated the Vikings 30-9. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

5. Nate Allen, FS, Miami Dolphins

The Carolina Panthers have already been busy this offseason when it comes to releasing players. In the last week or so, veteran defensive end Charles Johnson, 10-year running back Jonathan Stewart and free safety Kurt Coleman were all let go. The latter recently latched on with the New Orleans Saints, signing with a three-year deal with the 2017 NFC South champions.

Coleman’s production dropped dramatically this past season in comparison to his first two years in Charlotte. He finished tied for third on the club with 76 tackles despite missing four games. But after picking off a combined 11 passes from 2015-16, the eight-year pro totaled zero interceptions this season.

Versatile Colin Jones looks like the likely heir apparent at free safety, at least for now. The seven-year performer made a career-best seven starts in 2017 and his versatility is certainly a plus. He can line up at numerous positions and even saw starting duty at linebacker this past season. However, with Coleman gone and veteran Jairus Byrd a potential free agent the Panthers could use some proven depth at the position.

Nate Allen spent five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles before moving onto the Oakland Raiders and in 2017, the Miami Dolphins. He played and started just seven games this past year before finishing the year on injured reserve with a calf injury. The eight-year pro has struggled a bit in recent years but still brings some needed experience to a spot that will be down a few veterans from this past season.

Next: No. 4

Home/Carolina Panthers