Now that there’s a new general manager and head coach controlling the Carolina Panthers, this offseason has been all about surrounding Bryce Young with more talent than the No. 1 overall pick had around him last year.
We’ve seen over $150 million spent on signing Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis in an effort to solve the team’s weaknesses along the interior of the offensive line. Diontae Johnson was added via trade from Pittsburgh, bringing in a receiver who can create separation and make life easier on their 22-year-old QB.
But just because many of the top players have signed, it doesn’t mean the Panthers are done making moves.
According to The Charlotte Observer’s Mike Kaye, the Panthers are set to host former Chargers receiver Mike Williams for a visit next week. Williams was recently released due to cap constraints in Los Angeles. He’s also rehabbing a torn ACL he suffered in Week 3, but he should be ready for the start of the regular season.
Prior to his injury, Williams was on pace for a strong season, hauling in 19 receptions for 249 yards and a touchdown. This had him on track for a 1,411-yard season, yet the small sample size suggests he likely would have come back down to earth later in the year.
Mike Williams’ career stats: 309 receptions, 4,806 receiving yards, 31 TD
Still, Williams has a strong resume, and if the Panthers can get the 6-foot-4 receiver for the right price, he’d be a great addition to the receiving corps, providing valuable experience and size to a group that will take any help they can get. If he can come even close to his best production, a 1,146-yard-season in 2017, Williams would become a fan favorite in Carolina.
But first, the team has to feel confident that his medicals check out and that he’s worth offering a respectable contract to. Being that he’s coming off an ACL tear and is 29 years old, the Panthers likely won’t have to back up the Brinks truck for the former Chargers receiver.
Related: See where Bryce Young lands in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB Rankings