Panthers WR spotlight: Impending free agents, possible targets, draft outlook
For the first time in three seasons, Panthers standout DJ Moore did not eclipse 1,000 receiving yards.
Carolina started four different quarterbacks during a turbulent season of limited offensive success. Moore still led the team in targets, yards and receiving touchdowns but was ultimately underutilized in Carolina’s run-first offense, which ran a league-low 976 plays.
Quarterback Sam Darnold returned for the final six games and brought some stability to the Panthers’ passing offense. Moore scored four times in that stretch and recorded 73 yards or more four times. As Moore eventually made plays so did receiver Terrace Marshall. The second-year LSU product emerged as a complement to Moore, showcasing his large frame and playmaking ability.
But the Panthers will need more from its wide receiver room under new head coach Frank Reich. Here are options Carolina can explore in free agency and the draft:
Impending free agents
WR/KR Andre Roberts
The Panthers signed Roberts with hopes he’d solidify their return game. But injuries hindered most of his 2022 season. He missed 14 games on injured reserve after sustaining a knee injury in Week 1 and did not return until January. At 34, Roberts’ career is winding down. Carolina will likely look elsewhere for a returner in 2023.
WR Rashard Higgins
Higgins could not find consistent opportunities in Carolina. He appeared in just three games and played a total of nine offensive snaps.
Under contract
DJ Moore
Moore is one of the highest paid receivers in football. His $20 million average per year is a top-10 salary, comparable to what Terry McLaurin and Deboo Samuel earn with the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers, respectively. Moore signed a three-year, $61.884 million extension last season and proved his worth.
Moore needs help to eliminate double teams and divert attention from him in the passing game. Due to the Panthers’ inconsistency at quarterback, Moore recorded fewer than 66 receptions and 1,100 yards for the first time since his rookie season.
Under Reich, Moore will remain the focal point of the Panthers’ passing game. But establishing explosive weapons around him will help Carolina’s top receiver bounce back next season.
Laviska Shenault
Sheanult is explosive with the ball but too many of his targets came near the line of scrimmage. He was considered a project in Jacksonville. It’s unclear whether Shenault will grow into more than a gadget player in Carolina. He thrives on manufactured touches but lacks an expansive route tree to be taken seriously deep downfield.
Shenault is under contract for one more season. It would take a career season for Shenault to be extended but that is possible if Reich can unlock his full potential.
Terrace Marshall
Marshall established himself as a downfield threat during the second half of this season. His large catch radius and vertical playmaking ability are why the Panthers drafted him No. 59 in the 2021 draft. At times this season, Marshall looked like the Panthers’ best receiver.
He made a spectacular 36-yard reception against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. Marshall attacked the ball at its highest point and completed the catch by wrapping his arms around the ball and the defender’s right shoulder. His final catch of the season — a 21-yard reception against the New Orleans Saints — set up kicker Eddy Piñeiro’s game-winning 42-yard field goal.
Explosive plays like that tease Marshall’s true ceiling. If the Panthers’ offense improves next season then Marshall is more than capable of eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards while doubling as the team’s best red-zone threat
Shi Smith
Smith had an underwhelming 2022 season. He appeared in every game but caught just 22 passes for 296 yards. The Panthers hoped he’d be more reliable in the slot, but he struggled as a consistent route runner and catcher.
Perhaps a productive offseason and a new offense will help Smith take over the Panthers’ slot role.
Practice squad
Preston Williams, C.J. Saunders, Derek Wright
The Panthers tried finding a consistent option in the slot, which gave reason for Saunders and Wright to stick around. Williams is an outside receiver who was only active for the final game of the season.
Draft outlook
Jayden Reed — Michigan State
General manager Scott Fitterer and the Panthers will have an eye on playmakers ahead of the draft. Carolina is clearly in the quarterback market but could use a middle-round selection on a wide receiver.
Reed was inconsistent at Michigan State. He totaled just 600 yards this season after his first 1,000-yard campaign. As the evaluation process begins, however, Reed should impress scouts with his ability to line up both inside and in the slot. He’s a smooth route runner with twitch. He wins with subtle hesitation and body fakes, which keep defensive backs guessing.
His size (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) should keep him from being a top-60 selection.
Ronnie Bell — WR, Michigan
Another Big Ten target who could fall to Carolina in the middle rounds, Bell performed well at the Senior Bowl alongside Reed. Bell fits the mold of a slot receiver who is capable of winning versus man and zone coverage.
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah compared Bell to a Lions Pro Bowl receiver. Jeremiah said Bell gave him “a little bit of an Amon-Ra St. Brown vibe.”
Potential free agent options
Parris Campbell, Colts
Do not expect Carolina to pursue an expensive free-agent wide receiver. But the team could benefit by adding a veteran. Cambell played under Reich in Indianapolis and is an unrestricted free agent. According to Spotrac, his market value is a one-year deal worth $2.5 million.
Campbell, a 2019 second-round pick, could blossom on a new team. He’ll turn 26 in July.
D.J. Chark, Lions
Carolina lacks vertical speed at wide receiver. If the team does not draft a burner then Chark could fill the speedster role last held by Robbie Anderson. Chark was fourth in targets on the Lions but averaged a robust 18.1 yards per catch.
That type of explosive play is what Carolina is missing opposite of Moore.
