Fantasy implications of Panthers signing RB Spencer Brown as a UDFA

The Carolina Panthers have signed RB Spencer Brown of UAB as UDFA out of UAB. He joins a depth chart that includes stud running back Christian McCaffrey, 2021 fourth-round pick Chuba Hubbard.

Brown saw a ton of experience as a college running back even rushing 250 times as a freshman. In his final season in 2020, he played in eight games and rushed for 889 yards and 4.8 yards per carry with 10 touchdowns. He saw minimal opportunities as a receiver out of the backfield at UAB.

Fantasy football impact

Rookie

It would be a real surprise for Brown to have any sort of a fantasy impact in 2021, barring multiple injuries to the Panthers’ running back position. Brown’s ceiling as a rookie is to make the final roster and to do that, he will likely need to make an impact on special teams and improve his work on passing downs.

Long-term

As an undrafted free agent, Brown will need to give the coaching staff reasons to not cut him, whether that is with the Panthers or not. He proved in college he could handle a significant workload, but he is unlikely to have that opportunity at the professional level. Brown will need to be more of a complete back to see more snaps on offense, and he has a lot of work to do to get there.