5 free agents the Panthers could poach from NFC South rivals in 2022
By Dean Jones
Ryan Jensen – C
- 2021 team – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers are desperate for help when it comes to protecting the quarterback. Building through the draft would be a smart avenue to go down, but with no Day 2 pick currently after trades for Sam Darnold and C.J. Henderson, picking up a free agent that could help immediately is another option to consider.
With Matt Paradis out of contract and unlikely to return – coupled with Pat Elflein’s inconsistency – bolstering the center spot is potentially a big need for the Panthers. And it just so happens a prominent veteran on a divisional rival could be hitting the market this offseason.
Ryan Jensen has long been highly regarded in league circles. The former Colorado State-Pueblo star has worked hard to emerge from a sixth-round pick into a legitimate NFL starter and his production for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since Tom Brady assumed command under center has been nothing short of exemplary.
Jensen has conceded five penalties and given up two sacks from 1,159 snaps in 2021 to secure an impressive 70.8 grade from Pro Football Focus. Tampa Bay has a lot of mouths to feed regarding extensions this offseason and if this leaves the offensive lineman on the outside looking in, the Panthers should pick up the phone.
This would be an instant problem solver. And the Panthers could get 3-4 years of solid production out of Jensen if he stays clear of injury.