Panthers gain an advantage over the rest of the league with latest roster addition

The Carolina Panthers are bolstering running back depth with the team's latest decision. 

Carolina has agreed to tender running back Raheem Blackshear, the Panthers announced Wednesday. 

The 25-year-old ball carrier is now guaranteed to return for the 2024 season. 

Blackshear is mostly a returner who has shown flashes of making great plays when called into action. 

He averaged 26.9 per kickoff return last year on 16 attempts. His longest return was 52 yards. 

In the running game, Blackshear rushed 37 times for 123 yards and three touchdowns. He also has 16 catches for 138 yards.

The NFL could change the return rules, making a player like Blackshear even more valuable come the 2024 season.