5 free agents the Carolina Panthers must avoid this offseason

Which upcoming free agents should the Carolina Panthers avoid as they look to strengthening their roster before a crucial 2022 campaign?

The Carolina Panthers are headed into an offseason full of questions surrounding the coaching staff and who will be playing the quarterback position. However, even though Sam Darnold is under contract for next season,  it is hard to believe the team feels confident in the signal-caller moving forward.

In his final game of the year, Darnold sent a warning to the franchise by throwing an interception during the Panthers‘ final drive. One cannot hope to be a winning football team and trot out the former USC star as your starter, it is that simple.

Thinking Darnold’s early struggles with the New York Jets were a byproduct of the environment he was in was fair. However, in his second stop with more of the same problems, the player proved he isn’t a starting quarterback in this league.

Carolina could be active in free agency and the trade market this spring. Matt Rhule is on thin ice and must make any and all moves to change his future. If the Panthers don’t make the playoffs in 2022 it is hard to see the head coach being brought back.

With this and the quarterback situation in mind, Carolina must be very careful where they choose to spend their coveted cap space. Here are five upcoming free agents the team should avoid.