Over the last three seasons, all Carolina Panthers tight ends have combined for 1,073 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Yes, all tight ends over three seasons.
By comparison, Travis Kelce—by his lonesome in 2022—recorded 1,338 yards and 12 scores. So, uh, yeah . . . the Panthers need some help.
And honestly, they shouldn’t really be looking for tight end help through free agency, especially with the upcoming draft being so rich at the position. But if they are gauging the open market, here are four players they should consider.
Foster Moreau
Moreau is a deep cut to some, as he has yet to really break out. But his time may be coming in 2022.
The soon-to-be 26-year-old, with his 81.5-inch wingspan and 36.5-inch vertical, possesses quite the catch radius. He also has the hands and burst to pose as a threat in the yards-after-catch department.
Jordan Akins
Perhaps an ever deeper cut, Akins has gone a bit overlooked. After all, have you seen where he’s played?
Regardless, this 6-foot-4, 243-pounder can absolutely move with the ball in his hands. He’s also fresh off career-highs in receiving yards (495) and touchdowns (five) during a season where the Houston Texans played Davis Mills, Jeff Driskel and Kyle Allen under center.
Austin Hooper
Hooper, a two-time Pro Bowler, is a more proven commodity compared to Moreau and Akins. He’s also been often relied upon, having recorded at least 60 targets in each of the last six seasons.
While he did post a career-low of two touchdowns in 2022, along with 444 receiving yards, the 28-year-old still has the ability to contribute in both the passing and running games.
Hayden Hurst
Nope, you won’t be seeing Mike Gesicki and/or Dalton Schultz on this list. The Panthers won’t have the money to make relatively pricey, multi-year investments into solid, at best, tight ends.
So instead, we have guys like Akins, Hooper and Hurst—who can give Carolina some production at a much lower cost. The athletic Hurst made a career-high 13 starts in 2022, reeling in 52 catches for 414 yards and a pair of scores.
