4 Panthers free agents in 2022 who could be cut this offseason
By Dean Jones
Matt Paradis – Carolina Panthers C
- Cap saving – $4.93 million
Matt Paradis has been much-improved from a dismal 2019 campaign with the Carolina Panthers, but it remains to be seen whether his play is enough to avoid being cut in the offseason. The center is set to make a base salary of just over $7 million on the final year of his deal next season and the cap saving of almost $5 million is an enticing proposition providing a viable replacement can be found.
The offensive line has been better than expected, although the protection to quarterback Teddy Bridgewater’s blindside has been a real cause for concern whenever Russell Okung has been unable to go. More will obviously be needed if the Panthers want to be seen as realistic Super Bowl challengers sooner rather than later and only time will tell as to whether Paradis is going to be part of her plans.
Paradis has given up one sack and is yet to concede a penalty from 629 snaps in 2020. This has resulted in a creditable 69.5 grade from Pro Football Focus and his communication with Bridgewater has been encouraging for the most part.
This relationship with the signal-caller might ensure Paradis remains on the team. The last thing Bridgewater would want is to develop cohesion with a potential replacement, which would be another blow to his continuity ahead of a pivotal second year under center with the Panthers.