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Predicting 5 Players The Carolina Panthers Will Sign In NFL Free Agency

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Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Predicting 5 Players The Carolina Panthers Will Sign In NFL Free Agency

Carolina Panthers Huddle
Bob Donnan - USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers have some cap space this season and will most likely make a little splash in free agency. They have a few holes to fill in order to keep up their success from the past two years. Here are the top five players I predict the Panthers will sign in free agency.

5. Chris Conte

Chicago Bears-Chris Conte
Andrew Weber - USA TODAY Sports

5. Chris Conte

Chicago Bears-Chris Conte
Andrew Weber - USA TODAY Sports

The Panthers desperately need depth at safety, and preferably free safety. Conte is still relatively young at 26 and shouldn't cost too much. As much as I want the Panthers to spend more and try to sign someone like Rahim Moore, I think Conte is the more likely pick-up to bolster the position.

4. Greg Hardy

Greg Hardy
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4. Greg Hardy

Greg Hardy
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Yes, it is unlikely that Panthers will re-sign Greg Hardy, but my bold prediction is that they will. A lot of teams aren't willing to take on the publicity, and I think Hardy could earn his way back to the team if he apologizes. He's a great defensive end and has expressed that he's willing to take a pay cut to stay with Carolina.

3. Hakeem Nicks

05hakeemnicks - Copy
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3. Hakeem Nicks

05hakeemnicks
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Nicks supposedly turned down the Panthers' offer last season, but I think he might accept one now. He took the back seat to a number of receivers in Indianapolis, and I think being from Charlotte and going to the University of North Carolina will bring him to the Panthers sooner rather than later. Carolina could use a big possession receiver and I think Nicks would fit in nicely as a No. 2.

2. Byron Bell

Byron Bell
Brace Hemmelgarn - USA TODAY Sports

2. Byron Bell

Byron Bell
Brace Hemmelgarn - USA TODAY Sports

Bell struggled at his new position of left tackle this past season, but I still think Carolina will offer him a contract to come back. I expect the Panthers to take a left tackle in the draft, so Bell would provide depth and the ability to play multiple positions along the line. Since he knows the system already, it would be much easier to re-sign him than to try and integrate a younger player.

1. Ted Ginn Jr

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1. Ted Ginn Jr

05tedginn
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Ginn had the best season of his career with the Panthers in 2013, made his money with the Arizona Cardinals in 2014, then got cut. He knows the system in Carolina, is friendly with players like Cam Newton, and will be able to fit in as a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver. He also wouldn't be too expensive and would reboot the miserable return game the Panthers had. I would be shocked if he didn't get an offer from Carolina.

Brian Brennan is a writer for RantSports.
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