5 free agents the Panthers could poach from NFC South rivals in 2022
By Dean Jones
Terron Armstead – OT
- 2021 team – New Orleans Saints
It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers need some substantial upgrades across their offensive line this offseason. A distinct lack of protection proved to be the team’s undoing on countless occasions throughout the campaign, with head coach Matt Rhule and general manager Scott Fitterer both conceding during their exit pressers that this needs to be their top priority in 2022.
Finding the right reinforcements in free agency is sometimes difficult. And in Terron Armstead’s case, will not be cheap by any stretch of the imagination.
The New Orleans Saints left tackle is the No. 1 target for teams in need of help on the blindside. He might even be the most talented player set to hit the market this spring.
The Saints are about to embark on some serious salary-cap hell, which has some speculating whether head coach Sean Payton will stick around. Even if they manage to free up enough funds, it might not be enough to give Armstead the money he’s after.
Whether the Panthers are willing to offer Armstead a boatload of cash is another matter. They have just $24 million in cap space right now before some sacrifices and restructures are finalized, so allocating a significant amount of this on one player – no matter how good – is a risk.
Armstead is elite, that’s not up for debate. But the Panthers wouldn’t be alone in potentially targeting the player if he hits the market.