5 Carolina Panthers who could be released ahead of time in 2022

(Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports) Stantley Thomas-Oliver III
(Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports) Stantley Thomas-Oliver III
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Carolina Panthers
(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Dennis Daley

Which Carolina Panthers players could be released from their contracts ahead of time during what’s going to be an important 2022 offseason?

It’s already shaping up to be an intriguing offseason period for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. Some huge decisions need to be made regarding current personnel, free-agent signings, and potential draft picks, with the coaching staff also set to come under the microscope if things don’t improve drastically after the bye week.

The Panthers probably won’t be in the playoffs once again this season. They are also staring another losing record in the face despite a promising start to the campaign that saw the team go 3-0 and resulted in expectations going to a level Matt Rhule’s men weren’t capable of matching.

According to Over the Cap, the Panthers are projected to have $29.96 million in salary-cap space available in 2022. Obviously, this will increase when the franchise makes the necessary sacrifices in pursuit of progression during a critical third year under Rhule.

With this in mind, here are five Panthers players who could be candidates for early release this offseason.

Player No. 1

Carolina Panthers
(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Dennis Daley

Dennis Daley – Carolina Panthers OG

  • Dead-cap figure: $31,960
  • Cap savings: $965,000

There doesn’t appear to be much more Dennis Daley can do to prove his worth. The Panthers have literally tried him almost everywhere on the offensive line besides the center position, which hasn’t come with a consistent run of production where the former South Carolina standout is concerned.

Daley is cheap, which might be his saving grace on the final year of his deal. However, it wouldn’t be the biggest shock in the world to see Carolina move on entirely and save themselves almost $1 million in the process.

The Panthers should be prioritizing their protection in 2022. Unless they plan on using Daley as a primary backup, his time with the organization could come to an end.

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