6 Carolina Panthers players that will not be back in 2022
By Dean Jones
Cam Erving – Carolina Panthers OT
Dead cap:
- Pre-June 1: $4.51 million ($2M savings)
- Post-June 1: $4.51 million ($2M savings)
This was another ill-advised move by the Carolina Panthers in free agency. One that came with plenty of questions at the time.
Cam Erving was clearly a top priority for the Panthers, for some unbeknown reason. The former first-round pick has struggled throughout his pro career with the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, and Dallas Cowboys, so just what Carolina saw in the left tackle is anybody’s guess.
Erving is a big talker during the week. But that counts for nothing if a player cannot get it done when it matters most on Sundays.
Much like the situation with Pat Elflein, handing Erving a two-year deal that appeared way above his market value was bizarre. Something the Panthers will probably be paying for without him on the team unless things improve.
Releasing Erving with one year remaining on his contract comes with a $4.51 million dead-cap figure. Combine this with Elflein’s if Carolina does part company with both and that’s just north of $9 million that could be better spent elsewhere.
Sticking with Erving as a starter shouldn’t be an option. Yet another error on the offensive line that’s been craving a franchise blindside protector ever since Jordan Gross retired.