5 free agents on offense for the Carolina Panthers’ wish list in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which free agents on offense could the Carolina Panthers potentially add to their wish list in 2022?
Although the Carolina Panthers have yet to play a competitive down in 2021, there will be plenty of scouts and front office personnel putting a plan in place for an important offseason period next year.
The Panthers did a fantastic job in difficult circumstances during free agency this spring. Financial resources were at a premium thanks to COVID-19 revenue losses, but the organization somehow brought in some substantial reinforcements and still possesses $25 million in cap space should another player of interest become available in the coming weeks.
Carolina will be in Year 3 of Matt Rhule’s reign in 2022. Something that only raises the stakes surrounding their decisions regarding who stays and who goes following the upcoming campaign.
With this in mind, here are five free agents on offense that might find their way onto the Panthers’ wish list in 2022.
Player No. 1
Ben Jones – C
- 2021 team – Tennessee Titans
Matt Paradis is heading into the final year of his deal with the Carolina Panthers. Whether his production can improve enough to earn an extended stay beyond 2021 is another matter entirely.
The center will be getting paid more than $9 million by the Panthers next year whether he’s around or not after a contract restructure this spring. This makes it difficult to find a veteran upgrade in the Boise State product’s potential absence, but Ben Jones is a player that could come in and make an immediate difference.
Jones played 1,042 snaps for the Tennessee Titans in 2020. He didn’t give up a single sack and conceded four penalties on his way to an impressive 78.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
This is an instant upgrade on Paradis. Whether Jones’ demands will put them off if he is allowed to test the market is up for debate.