Much of the talk around the Panthers right now is related to the upcoming draft, but the team is still combing through the free agent market. Carolina hosted defensive linemen Rasheem Green yesterday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). The day before, they worked out wide receiver Ryan Switzer (Twitter link via ESPN’s Field Yates).
Green, who will be 25 by the start of the season, enjoyed a breakout campaign last year, the final one on his rookie contract with the Seahawks. In 17 games (including 16 starts), he posted 48 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Along with that production, he demonstrated the ability to play at various positions along the defensive line which made him a highly-touted third-round pick.
Green already visited the Ravens in March, so this meeting with the Panthers shows the interest he has generated. Rapoport adds, however, that the USC alum “has remained in contact with Seattle” regarding a new contract there. The Seahawks have added the likes of Shelby Harris, Quinton Jefferson and Uchenna Nwosu to their front seven this offseason, and met with Mario Addison as well.
Switzer, 27, has bounced around throughout his career. Traded twice in the 2018 offseason (from the Cowboys to the Raiders, then to the Steelers), he has only made 50 catches in 41 career games. He is most known for his return ability, with a nearly 22 yard-per-return average and three touchdowns to his name running back kickoffs. He signed a reserve deal with Cleveland last January, but hasn’t seen the field since 2019. In Carolina, he would add depth to a WR room headed by D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson, and which also features the likes of Terrace Marshall and Rashard Higgins.
Switzer was a decent return guy in Pittsburgh but he would get tackled by a stiff breeze. He was damn good in college at UNC though. Best of luck to him.
Loved him at UNC, too. Some friends who are big Steelers fans called him “Sideline Switzer” for his crafty ways to avoid contact, lol.