DaQuan Jones – Carolina Panthers DT
- 2022 free agent
This has nothing to do with how DaQuan Jones has performed for the Carolina Panthers. The defensive tackle’s been a valuable asset alongside Derrick Brown on the interior and provided consistency and leadership in equal measure throughout the campaign.
The Panthers would be far worse off without Jones in 2021. There’s absolutely no getting away from that.
However, with multiple established stars on the lookout for new deals this offseason, it might leave the former Tennessee Titan on the outside looking in. Although replacing him might be more difficult than it appears unless someone like Bravvion Roy or Daviyon Nixon makes a monumental leap forward away from the gridiron.
Jones has 29 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, five quarterback hits, 12 pressures, and a 62.9 grade from Pro Football Focus as a result of his efforts in 2021. The former Penn State star is still performing at a high level, so if the Panthers do end up moving on when free agency begins, he wouldn’t be short of a few suitors.
Much will depend on the finances involved and how much of a priority Jones is for the Panthers, obviously. But reliable veterans on the defensive line are hard to find in today’s NFL.