ESPN links Panthers to NFL's best remaining free-agent TE

The tight end position has been a weak spot for the Carolina Panthers ever since injuries started taking their toll on Greg Olsen almost 10 years ago. And at this point of the offseason, through free agency and the draft, they have yet to add a notable presence to the room.

If the season were to begin today, Tommy Tremble would be starting—backed up by Ja'Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans. Tremble is a willing blocker and Evans showed at least some potential as a red-zone weapon, but this group desperately needs an infusion of new blood.

ESPN may have a solution, linking the Panthers with the best tight end left on the free-agent market. Matt Bowen lists the defending NFC South champs as the best fit for Jonnu Smith:

Smith would give the Panthers a move -- or "F" -- tight end who can create schematic advantages due to his alignment versatility. He can flex outside in 12 personnel (two tight ends), while getting targets on unders and screens. Wherever he lines up, Smith can be a reliable catch-and-run target for quarterback Bryce Young. Smith had 38 receptions in Pittsburgh last season, and 68.4% of his career receiving totals have come after the catch.

While he isn't a marquee name, Smith doesn't have to play like prime Rob Gronkowski. If he can be a reliable third-down security blanket and yards-after-catch threat to round out head coach Dave Canales' largely one-dimensional offense, his potential addition will go a long way towards helping quarterback Bryce Young break through to the next level of his development.

Smith (6-foot-3, 248 pounds) comes with loads of experience—having appeared in 141 career regular season games between five different teams. All together, he's put up 345 catches for 3,529 yards and 30 touchdowns.

His numbers last season were underwhelming (222 yards, two touchdowns), but he was a Pro Bowler as recently as the 2024 season with Miami—when he posted 884 yards and eight touchdowns. If the Panthers were to sign him, he could immediately ascend to the top of the depth chart.

Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL free agency: Panthers named best fit for TE Jonnu Smith