7 Carolina Panthers players who could be gone after the 2021 season
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players could be entering their final year with the franchise during a critical 2021 season for the team’s aspirations?
There is a lot at stake for the Carolina Panthers next season as they look to go from also-rans to serious contenders in the second year under Matt Rhule. The front office did a remarkable job in difficult circumstances improving the roster in recent months and the opportunity awaiting them in the NFC South with uncertainty surrounding two teams in the division is there for all to see.
Of course, having good options on paper means absolutely nothing.
Getting it done on the field in a competitive setting is what counts.
The Panthers held their own against high-profile opposition in 2020 without quite getting over the line more often than not. It’s a big year for many players, with the team having 45 out of contract in 2022 heading into training camp.
This will be whittled down once the 53 men are chosen ahead of their Week 1 opener against the New York Jets. But there are still some big names whose futures are up in the air for various reasons.
With this in mind, here are seven Panthers players who might not be on the team after the 2021 season.
Player No. 1
Matt Paradis – Carolina Panthers C
Matt Paradis was probably nervously awaiting his fate this offseason. The center was a potential salary-cap casualty before the Panthers opted to restructure his contract instead and provide the veteran with an opportunity to see out the final year of his deal.
The former Boise State standout did perform better in his second campaign with the franchise. Although his production wasn’t anywhere close to entering the elite category Carolina expected when they signed him from the Denver Broncos in 2019 free agency.
Even if Paradis is moved on at the end of his contract next spring, he’ll still count $9.23 million against Carolina’s 2022 salary cap due to his restructuring.
Kicking the can down the road was a necessary evil in the current financial climate. But this might be the final season we see Paradis snapping the football in Carolina.