The Carolina Panthers have made some moves since the 2024 NFL Draft. These moves included signing a running back in free agency and a “thicc kicker” as an undrafted free agent.
What could these moves mean for the Carolina Panthers in 2024?
Rashaad Penny
Rashaad Penny has spent most of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, playing in front of the 12th Man from 2018 through 2022. Last season, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles but mustered just 33 yards on 11 carries while buried in a depth role behind D’Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott.
Penny’s best season was in 2021 when he ran for 749 yards. The Panthers are adding him to an up-and-coming running back room that just welcomed Jonathon Brooks, a second-round pick out of the University of Texas.
Source: Running back Rashaad Penny plans to sign with the #Panthers.
Former first-round pick reunites with head coach Dave Canales from their Seattle days.
Signing likely happening after rookie minicamp. pic.twitter.com/uAsBi8eHpQ
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 6, 2024
The Thicc Kicker
One of the undrafted free agents attracting plenty of attention was Harrison Mevis, a product of the University of Missouri. Mevis is 5-foot-11 and 243 pounds. Last season, he had an 80 percent field goal rate and a 97.8 percent extra point rate. His longest kick came from 61 yards out.
Mevis represents a good addition to an already stellar special teams unit.
Missouri K Harrison Mevis is GOOD from 60 yards out at the NFL Combine 🐯 pic.twitter.com/ENuf7obR1O
— Kicker Update (@kickerupdate) March 4, 2024
Jalen Coker
Of all players in Carolina’s class of undrafted free agents, Holy Cross wide receiver Jalen Coker might be the early favorite to make the Panthers’ roster. Last season, Coker had 59 receptions for 1,040 yards (eighth in receiving in the FCS).
Additionally, Coker’s father is a die-hard Carolina Panthers fan. If Coker does make the roster, he would be a great story. Coker is one of four wide receivers the Panthers have from this rookie class. He joins Xavier Legette, who was drafted 32nd overall, and a pair of undrafted free agents in West Virginia’s Devin Carter and Coastal Carolina’s Sam Pinckney.
Coker represents a strong depth option on a heavily injured Carolina roster.
The Carolina Panthers have been quietly making moves since the NFL Draft ended. Penny is another back that Canales can utilize. Meanwhile, fans will love a kicker who is 243 pounds and a wide receiver whose family admires the Carolina Panthers.
Jalen Coker posted his behind-the-scenes draft day video on IG
Jalen: So I’m officially a Carolina Panther?
Agent: Oh yeah brother. You earned it. Enjoy with your family, give your mom a hug.
Mom: He earned it, he’s so amazing!
This is awesome. Rooting SO hard for him! 🥺 pic.twitter.com/Ncp9kRvvjW
— Edgar Salmingo, Jr. ✌🏽 (@PanthersAnalyst) May 2, 2024
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