5 free agents the Carolina Panthers could still pursue
![BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Emmanuel Sanders #1 of the Buffalo Bills scores a touchdown against Joejuan Williams #33 of the New England Patriots during the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Emmanuel Sanders #1 of the Buffalo Bills scores a touchdown against Joejuan Williams #33 of the New England Patriots during the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1c6a7fb60c1ff8c1f8aab1b5cf764348516bcaef9ce64e67b354fd7858947afc.jpg)
2. TE Kyle Rudolph (Released by New York Giants)
Matt Rhule’s club didn’t get a lot of production from the tight end spot this past year. Rookie Tommy Tremble was the team’s leading pass-catcher from this position, leading the way with 20 catches.
Ian Thomas snared 18 passes for 188 yards and one score. Dan Arnold played in Carolina’s first three games and caught seven passes for 84 yards before being dealt to the Jaguars in late September.
After 10 seasons, 453 receptions, and two Pro Bowl invitations as a member of the Vikings from 2011-20, veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph totaled 26 catches for 257 yards and one touchdown for the Giants in 2021.
He could add a savvy presence to a passing game that produced only 15 touchdowns this past season.
1. MLB Joe Schobert (Released by Pittsburgh Steelers)
This offseason, the Carolina Panthers added veteran linebacker Damien Wilson via free agency. The one-time member of the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs spent 2021 with the Jaguars.
He finished second on the club with 104 defensive stops, to go along with three sacks, an interception, one forced fumble, and five passes defensed. He inked a two-year, $6.9 million deal in mid-March.
As ESPN’s David Newton reports, Wilson is dealing with some off-the-field issues. It will be interesting to see what the future holds. In the meantime, could the Panthers add veteran Joe Schobert?
He spent this past season with the Steelers but was released earlier this year. He finished second on the club with 112 tackles, to go along with one interception and six passes defensed.