5 Panthers players who could be one-and-done after 2021 season
By Dean Jones
Cam Erving – Carolina Panthers OT
- 2022 cap hit – $6.51 million
Signing Cam Erving on the first day of free agency when the market wasn’t exactly going to be robust for the left tackle was one of the more bizarre personnel decisions made by the Carolina Panthers under the current regime. To make matters worse, the former first-round selection got a two-year deal despite his production offering little to suggest he could provide any sort of assistance.
Sadly for the player and the Panthers, Erving has been exactly that. Unreliable, lethargic, and the Florida State product blames everyone but himself for his lack of production.
Sunday’s game at the Buffalo Bills was the worst performance of Erving’s tenure in Carolina. The veteran is just not ever going to become a starting blindside protector at the next level and the front office has to address this as their top priority in 2022.
Erving is obviously under contract next season, which is a real problem. Releasing the player ahead of time would cost Carolina around $4.51 million in dead cap ($2 million saving), which is a steep price to pay for another big-time error.
The Panthers need to give Brady Christensen an extended run at the left tackle spot over the next three games in favor of Erving. If the former BYU sensation performs effectively, then it might see them move forward with the third-round pick next year and possibly beyond.