Breaking: Carolina Panthers Strike Quickly To Sign $24 Million TE

Things are going to get interesting…

The Carolina Panthers could be faced with an added dilemma in their potential pursuit of 2024 NFL Draft prospect Ben Sinnott.

It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers have been searching for a solid pass-catching option at tight end since Matt Rhule let Greg Olsen leave for the Seattle Seahawks in 2020 free agency. To meet his high expectations, quarterback Bryce Young needs to address this issue in the future.

Carolina’s roster is lacking in depth. Hayden Hurst was discharged following a disappointing debut season with the franchise. After missing multiple opportunities, Ian Thomas now appears to be nothing more than a blocking presence. Tommy Tremble is highly regarded by Dave Canales and Dan Morgan, but with such a tiny sample size spanning three years, it is impossible to predict if he will emerge as a prominent feature.

While Tremble’s enhanced role could help, the Panthers should conduct a more thorough examination of draft possibilities. This week, elected officials will welcome Texas standout Ja’Tavion Sanders. They’ve also spent time with Ben Sinnott on a private visit, who appears to be another potential difference-maker if his transition from college to the pros goes well.

Carolina Panthers must strike quickly to land Ben Sinnott

Sinnott was viewed as a mid-round prospect with upside entering the assessment process. However, a prominent and respected analyst feels the Panthers must act quickly if they intend to make the Kansas State standout one of their top targets.

Jordan Reid of ESPN – speaking to people around the league – believes Sinnott could be the second tight end off the board after Georgia phenom Brock Bowers becomes a first-round pick. This is thanks to his versatile skill set and an impressive set of testing scores at the NFL Scouting Combine.

“Scouts are enamored with Kansas State’s Ben Sinnott. He has a lot of fans as a Day 2 target. Scouts who I spoke to raved about his versatile skill set as a pass-catcher and blocker, and many believe he simply offers more than [Ja’Tavion] Sanders. It helps that Sinnott put on a show at the combine; he had the highest vertical (40 inches), longest broad jump (10-foot-6) and fastest three-cone drill (6.82 seconds) of all tight ends. Don’t be surprised to see Sinnott as the second tight end off the board.”

– Jordan Reid, ESPN

This appears to indicate that the league rates Sinnott higher than most mock drafts. This is not an unusual occurrence, but the Panthers must be aware of it if they expect the player to be available in Rounds 3 or 4.

Reid’s disclosure suggests Sinnott could be a second- or early third-round pick when everything is said and done. The Panthers have two picks in this round (Nos. 33 and 39 overall). While most believe it is too high a price to pay for a tight end, Carolina must strike with confidence if those in charge believe this is the move that would ultimately resolve the position’s issues since Olsen left.

Morgan’s outstanding start as general manager paves the way for continued growth. Navigating the draft correctly will be another important step in achieving this goal. If he believes Sinnott has the credentials to offer Young with a solid weapon in the center and in red-zone situations, the front-office executive should not hesitate.

After all, hanging around and panicking when things didn’t go their way is one of the main reasons why the former leadership is no longer in power.