Deshaun Watson isn’t the only available player with an eye-opening arm that the Carolina Panthers are looking at. Heck, this one’s even got a leg on him.
According to Joseph Person of The Athletic, the Panthers have shown interest in free agent punter Johnny Hekker. Hekker was officially released on Wednesday by the Los Angeles Rams, the franchise he’s spent his entire 10-year NFL career with.
With Pat O'Donnell signing with Packers, Panthers have interest in former Rams punter Johnny Hekker, per league source.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) March 17, 2022
Over that decade, the 32-year-old has kicked himself into the upper echelon of the position. He’s racked up six All-Pro nods (four of them First-team), four Pro Bowl selections and a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
While just recently adding “Super Bowl LVI Champion” to that list, Hekker ranked fourth in net punting average (42.6 yards) in 2021 with 23 of his 51 attempts landing inside the 20-yard line. He’s also known to be a bit of a trickster, having completed 14 of his 23 throws on fakes for 186 yards, 13 first downs and a touchdown.
There’s no word yet, however, on if the Panthers are interested in bringing Hekker onboard to compete with Sam Darnold under center for 2022.
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