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Best Remaining Linebackers for the Panthers to Target in Free Agency

By Max Staley

Alec Ogeltree had 80 tackles and 1 sack for the New York Giants in 13 games played last season.
Alec Ogeltree had 80 tackles and 1 sack for the New York Giants in 13 games played last season. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images
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There's a lot to be optimistic about in Carolina. But the Panthers' run defense isn't one of them. Last season, the team finished as the league's worst run defense, according to Football Outsiders' DVOA metrics, and Carolina allowed a league-high 5.2 yards per carry.

While there are plenty of options the team could target in the 2020 NFL Draft to upgrade that unit, the Panthers could be in need of a more serious overhaul. With that in mind, here are three linebackers Carolina could target in free agency.

1. Alec Ogletree

Alec Ogletree could be a great addition to Carolina's LB corps.
Alec Ogletree could be a great addition to Carolina's LB corps. / Steven Ryan/Getty Images

Alec Ogletree wasn't particularly effective last season, receiving a 54.2 grade from Pro Football Focus. He's still a really athletic player, though, and perhaps a change of scenery could help revitalize his career. Even if he can't do much to help the run defense, he's been a been a solid pass rusher lately, receiving grades of 82.7, 68.4 and 76.4 over the past three seasons.

2. Nigel Bradham

Nigel Bradham is a solid veteran option who could contribute for the Panthers.
Nigel Bradham is a solid veteran option who could contribute for the Panthers. / Steven Ryan/Getty Images

Nigel Bradham was a liability as a run defender last season, receiving a 46.5 grade from PFF. He was fantastic in coverage, though, with a 75.0 grade and he could make an impact as a rotational LB, particularly in passing situations.

3. Wesley Woodyard

Wesley Woodyard was a great run defender last season.
Wesley Woodyard was a great run defender last season. / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Wesley Woodyard was essentially the opposite of Bradham last season. Woodyard was horrendous in coverage (45.4 grade) but he was a fantastic run defender (72.4 grade). Entering his age-34 season, he's no longer a three-down linebacker, but he could contribute in running situations. Given how poor Carolina's run defense was and how cheap Woodyard's contract will likely be, he'd be a great addition to the Panthers' LB corps.

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Max Staley is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Max Staley also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username mstaley1212. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.