The Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers are among the top fits for 1,000-yard receiver, Byron Pringle this upcoming season. According to multiple reports, after trading Jahan Dotson this offseason, the Commanders making one more move ahead of their matchup against the Buccaneers and releasing Pringle. The Kansas State product spent the 2023 campaign with Washington, appearing in 17 contests by recording 14 receptions on 22 targets for 161 yards. He originally was with the Kansas City Chiefs in his first few years where he was a viable rotational receiver as a WR4 before the Bears took a chance on him one year in 2022.
Pringle isn’t a starter in the league after entering the NFL at the age of 25 in 2018 where he came in as a undrafted free agent. The Chiefs were expanding his role in 2021 where he was only able to play in 47% of snaps but had 47 receptions for 568 yards. He didn’t get that chance in Chicago or Washington but a team could sign him to kick the tires and get an offense moving. With a new regime, it was time for Pringle to move on as he didn’t fit into what head coach Dan Quinn and the rest of the staff were building.
Pringle survived the first wave of cuts but it didn’t last long and now he’s looking for a job.
Ravens, Panthers Among Top Fits For Cut 1,000-Yard Receiver Byron Pringle
Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
Pringle may not be the most exciting available free agent like Michael Thomas but it gives the Ravens another cheap receiver to use in rotation. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are two reliable weapons for Lamar Jackson but Nelson Agholor and rookie DeVontez Walker have a lot to prove this season. This means they need someone to come in a couple of downs on the field and make crucial plays. It’s similar to what running back Justice Hill and Isaiah Likely were able to do.
However, both of them don’t play the receiver position which Jackson was rarely utilizing in their loss against the Chiefs. It may give Jackson more motivation to complete play-action passes without having to heavily rely on his running back and tight end frequently. Pringle isn’t beating out Flowers or Bateman for their job but it gives some new life in the passing game without the Ravens taking too much out of their bargain.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have been making life easier for Bryce Young this offseason after getting two high-potential wide receivers after Adam Thielen had an impressive season last year. Carolina is bringing in Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette hoping that these receivers can get off to a fast start. Johnson has that upside but Legette needs a couple of growing pains before he can become a reliable WR3. They have solid starters but the Panthers are still lacking depth, especially since releasing Terrace Marshall.
Byron Pringle might not come to a fast start either but it gives Young another receiver to look to.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers look to have one of the worst offenses this upcoming season. However, Justin Herbert is a top-five quarterback but he isn’t going far with what Jim Harbaugh is establishing in Los Angeles. The new regime with the running game will only take them so far even though they have one of the strongest offensive lines after drafting Joe Alt. Pringle can roll the dice in the lineup with journeymen Joshua Palmer and DJ Chark alongside Quentin Johnston.
Ladd McConkey looks like the only receiver who may have some reliability in the slot. However, Herbert has to throw many darts on the field if this offense wants to make a difference without just the running game.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints may have Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed but it may not be enough targets for Derek Carr. The Saints already have one of the worst offensive lines so they need a target to rely on for quick passes. Carr doesn’t do well under pressure from opposing defenses and he’s already on the hot seat this season. However, Pringle may not be the most reliable but it gives Carr a chance at life on the field.
Dallas Cowboys
Pringle may not be Dallas’ immediate answer to help the depth behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, but it gives another receiver in rotation. Don’t expect Pringle to be in the starting lineup immediately but they could use him on crucial plays. Jalen Tolbert needs more time to adjust to a starting role and Pringle could be used for emergency depth.
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