6 Carolina Panthers players who’ve already earned a payday in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players have already earned themselves a payday in 2022 with their outstanding production this season?
Even though the Carolina Panthers are focused on potentially securing a playoff spot in 2021, influential figures away from the field will have one eye on planning for another important offseason for the franchise.
This is a team that doesn’t look that far away from being a legitimate contender. So their chances will obviously enhance if the right moves are made during free agency and the NFL Draft.
Recruitment will be at the forefront of Carolina’s mind. However, there are a number of key players already on the roster that are looking for new deals next spring.
Keeping around some outstanding players might be easier said than done. Salary-cap manager Samir Suleiman worked wonders in 2020 with limited resources – a task he’ll have to do once again this time around if the Panthers want to take another giant leap forward.
According to Over the Cap, the Panthers currently have $35.15 million in cap space next season. That’s before any trades or early releases come around to increase the funds at the team’s disposal.
Without further ado, here are six Panthers who’ve already played themselves into a payday in 2022.
Player No. 1
Zane Gonzalez – Carolina Panthers K
Now, a lot can happen in seven games for a kicker, but Zane Gonzalez has been on an incredible run of form that’s solved a real problem for the Panthers.
Gonzalez has been lights out after a rough first game. The former seventh-round pick has made his last 16 field goal attempts and is a two-time NFC Special Teams Player of the Week winner over this remarkable stretch.
Carolina had some extreme kicking complications before Gonzalez’s arrival. Providing there are no complications between now and when the campaign comes to a conclusion, the Arizona State product will be rewarded.