The Carolina Panthers are about to enter a crucial offseason. They haven't been able to turn things around in their two years under coach Matt Rhule, placing him and the rest of the coaching staff on the hot seat. A bad record in the 2022 season would likely send the Panthers into a full-blown rebuild. Luckily, they have the resources to add crucial pieces in free agency and the NFL Draft.

The following three players would instantly improve the Panthers' roster and help the squad compete in a wide-open NFC South.

Panthers Free Agency Targets

Jadeveon Clowney – Defensive end

The Panthers defense was absolutely terrible in 2021, so it's no surprise that this list begins with a defender. Clowney is coming off of one of the best seasons in his career with the Cleveland Browns, where he notched nine sacks and 19 quarterback hits. He clearly benefitted from playing with Myles Garrett, but he would be playing in a somewhat similar situation in Carolina. Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns will demand the majority of the attention, which would give Clowney beneficial matchups throughout the season. Clowney is also a strong run defender, an area that the Panthers desperately need to improve in.

Carolina's depth at edge rusher will take a hit over the offseason. Haason Reddick started for the Panthers on the edge and earned 11 sacks, but he's set to hit free agency. There's really no one on the roster who can capably replace Reddick, so Clowney would step in as an undisputed starter. As long as the former number one overall pick isn't demanding a huge deal, the Panthers should pursue him.

Austin Corbett – Guard

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It's not often that young, good offensive linemen make it to free agency. Well, Corbett is a rare exception. He is coming off of a season where he started all 17 games for the Los Angeles Rams while only allowing three sacks. The former second round pick also only committed two penalties all season. He's playing at a high level, so a big contract could be in order here.

Corbett would instantly be the best lineman on the Panthers. Rhule could plug him in at either guard spot to drastically improve an offensive line that gave up a whopping 52 sacks last season. One of the Panthers' projected starters at guard, John Miller, is set to hit free agency, making this signing even more perfect. There's really no reason for Carolina to not pursue a good, young player at a position of need.

Marcus Mariota – Quarterback

It's unlikely that the Panthers fix their quarterback situation this offseason, but they can at least improve it. Projected starter Sam Darnold played awfully last season and dealt with injury issues, and bringing back Cam Newton can't be an appealing prospect. Instead, the Panthers should invest in a young, high-upside option in Mariota.

The worst-case scenario is that he's a solid backup to Darnold, and the best-case scenario is that he starts and plays well. Mariota's contract demands shouldn't be huge either, making this a financially manageable signing. Overall, bringing in the former Heisman Trophy winner can only help the Panthers at one of the most important positions in all of sports.