5 early free agents on offense for the Panthers to target in 2022
By Dean Jones
Terron Armstead – OT
- 2021 team – New Orleans Saints
Letting Russell Okung walk in free agency was pretty much a given for the Carolina Panthers considering the veteran turned out in just seven games due to injury. This has left them short of a blindside protector and although they did trade up in the third round to draft Brady Christensen out of BYU, there is no guarantee he is going to solidify the position despite his outstanding production in college.
Carolina will only go as far as Sam Darnold and their offensive line takes them next season. They remain absolutely loaded with playmakers everywhere you look, but if the former New York Jet doesn’t get time to go through his progressions, it’s going to set them back enormously.
As stated previously, if the protection doesn’t live up to their end of the bargain then bringing in players who are guaranteed to perform will be their top priority in 2022. One of the more intriguing names on the free-agent market is Terron Armstead, who has been a revelation for the New Orleans Saints, and landing a top star from their divisional rivals would be a significant coup.
Armstead gave up three sacks and conceded four penalties from 857 snaps on his way to an outstanding 86.3 grade from Pro Football Focus last season. This is the third straight campaign where the former third-round pick has scored more than 80.0, with his 90.3 in 2018 the finest of his career to date.
The veteran would still have a few good years left in the tank. But much will depend on whether the Saints tag him or not given his importance to the team.