3 Panthers veterans that should be cut before 2022 free agency

Morgan Fox – Carolina Panthers DL

• Cap saving – $3.06 million

Signing Morgan Fox looked to be a shrewd bit of business by the Carolina Panthers. The defensive lineman made a solid impression in training camp and during the first half of the season following his switch from the Los Angeles Rams, but with cost-cutting measures sure to occur in the coming weeks, there might be some doubt as to whether he’s still around in 2022.

Fox was solid if not spectacular throughout the season. But the Panthers have a big decision to make regarding his future when one considers releasing him ahead of time would come with a cap saving of just over $3 million.

Carolina does possess some exciting young talent across the defensive front. Players like Bravvion Roy, Daviyon Nixon, Phil Hoskins, and Yetur Gross-Matos are all expected to develop further ahead of the 2022 season, which could leave Fox on the outside looking in when it’s all said and done.

This is a difficult one to call. The Panthers need money from somewhere and bolstering the defensive line wouldn’t be a top priority providing the youngsters’ progress and Haason Reddick sticks around after a phenomenal 2021 season.

Fox might end up on the team with a potential restructuring. And he wouldn’t be without a home for long if the Panthers decide to remove him from the equation.