3 Panthers veterans that should be cut before 2022 free agency
By Dean Jones
Dennis Daley – Carolina Panthers OL
- Cap saving – $965,000
This might not be saving the Carolina Panthers all that much in the grand scheme of things, but Dennis Daley is not up to the required standard. It was another turbulent 2021 season for the offensive linemen due to injury and poor performance, which was another blown opportunity for the former sixth-round pick out of South Carolina.
Carolina’s offensive line was a legitimate concern before the season got underway and proved incapable of protecting whoever was under center. There were some nice moments, but it’s hard to deny that substantial upgrades are needed at almost every position outside of stud right tackle Taylor Moton.
Daley had another good chance to firmly establish himself in the starting lineup in 2021. Something he simply couldn’t do during a series of flustered performances that leaves his future on the Panthers in serious question this offseason.
The interior lineman played 549 snaps in 2021, giving up three sacks and conceding nine penalties to secure a less than stellar 51.9 grade from Pro Football Focus. If this was Daley’s final audition in Carolina, he fluffed his lines.
Those in power have already made their intentions clear regarding making the offensive line their top priority in the coming weeks. Daley should not be part of their plans and now is the right time for Carolina to cut their losses.