4 Carolina Panthers who could contemplate retirement in 2022
By Dean Jones
Rashaan Melvin – Carolina Panthers CB
There wasn’t much expected of Rashaan Melvin when he joined the Carolina Panthers. A journeyman throughout his career, the cornerback has been in and out of the defensive back rotation subject to injuries and performances have been inconsistent as a result.
Players like Melvin know their role, so to speak. Starting chances have been limited throughout the player’s career and if Carolina can keep one or both of Stephon Gilmore and Donte Jackson, it’s unlikely the Northern Illinois product will get an extended stay with the organization.
At 32 years old, this might be Melvin’s final act in the NFL. With another talented group of cornerbacks entering the league in 2022, the veteran might go further down the pecking order in terms of winning a roster spot elsewhere.
With $11.72 million in career earnings, Melvin could decide fighting it out for a fringe role once again just isn’t worth the effort. This is providing the player has looked after his money, of course.
Going out on your own terms is a luxury most entering the league don’t have. When the NFL is done with an aging player, they are cast aside at a moment’s notice.
This is something that will enter Melvin’s mind this offseason. But at the end of the day, it might come down to free agency interest and any desire he has left in the tank.