5 premier offensive linemen the Carolina Panthers should target in 2022
By Dean Jones
James Daniels – OG
- 2022 free agent (Chicago Bears)
Building through the draft is the best avenue to go down for the Carolina Panthers. This bears more significance when one considers there is just $28.3 million in cap space to go around currently and a number of established veterans looking for new deals.
However, we all know that the cap can be manipulated one way or another. This could allow the Panthers to make a big splash in free agency for someone to instantly come in and improve the team.
If this scenario comes to fruition, then James Daniels is a player that instantly catches the eye. The former second-round pick is a consistent presence at the right guard spot and putting him next to Taylor Moton is a mouth-watering proposition.
Daniels turned out in 1,121 snaps for the Chicago Bears in 2021, conceding nine penalties and giving up three sacks to secure a 71.8 grade from Pro Football Focus. The Iowa product is an instant upgrade on anything Carolina has right now and if the NFC North team allows him to test the market, the Panthers should put in a call.
Acquiring a veteran like Daniels would be a major statement of intent from the Panthers. One that could completely transform the interior providing additional reinforcements are also secured.