5 Carolina Panthers who could be released ahead of time in 2022
By Dean Jones
A.J. Bouye – Carolina Panthers CB
- Dead-cap figure: $1.21 million
- Cap savings: $3.5 million
The Carolina Panthers have an abundance of talent within their cornerback room. Although they’ve struggled over the last two weeks, there is a lot to like about their chances of progression next season and beyond providing the right decisions regarding personnel are made.
Stephon Gilmore and Donte Jackson are out of contract this offseason. One suspects it might be difficult to keep both around considering the finances involved and if it was a choice between the two, the Panthers might opt to go with the All-Pro and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
There is also the return from injury of No. 8 overall selection Jaycee Horn to consider. The South Carolina product looked like a shutdown corner in the making before breaking his foot and if Keith Taylor and C.J. Henderson make additional strides, they should have a big part to play moving forward.
A.J. Bouye has been solid overall outside of the odd inconsistencies in coverage this season. But the $3.5 million saving when his release might be too tempting to ignore when push comes to shove.
The former Pro Bowler would have no trouble finding work elsewhere given his production. However, the Panthers’ cornerback room is stacked even if they are only able to keep one key veteran out of Gilmore or Jackson.
Bouye might be a little on the older side and can get burned going down the field these days, but a contending team might see him as a performer who could provide immediate assistance in the short term.
This might make Bouye an intriguing trade candidate before the draft to ensure Carolina gets something back in return.