3 former Matt Rhule college players the Carolina Panthers can target

Matthew Ioannidis – DT

• 2020 team – Washington Football Team

Another area of need for the Carolina Panthers is their pass rush on the defensive line. They haven’t received a lot of production from Kawann Short for the past two seasons because of injuries, and Phil Snow’s unit needs someone who can start next to Derrick Brown.

The Panthers could pick up a huge upgrade on their defensive line if they look at trading with the Washington Football Team to acquire Matthew Ioannidis, who played for three seasons under Matt Rhule during their time together at Temple.

Ioannidis only played three games for Washington in 2020 before being placed on injured reserved after having a season-ending bicep surgery last October. Next year will be Ioannidis’ sixth and he’s accumulated 34 games as a starter during this period.

The veteran would likely help the Panthers’ defensive line with their pass rush and run-stopping defense. Ioannidis saw his most playing time in 2019, where he picked up 8.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss, which was the best season of his career so far.

Ioannidis is set to earn over $5 million in the next two seasons. He’d take up a little cap space if the Panthers traded for him, but Carolina could get lucky and sign him if Washington waives him during the offseason.

If Ioannidis can prove his fitness and remain free of any further problems, he could be a solid option if the Pathers pick him up.