4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers 2022 offseason

Carolina Panthers will extend Stephon Gilmore and Haason Reddick

One thing that’s going relatively overlooked is just how many established veterans on the Carolina Panthers are out of contract. This represents another precarious situation that needs to be handled correctly by the front office and any false moves could result in some big-time ramifications given the team’s current status.

Among the top-two names up for renewal are Stephon Gilmore and Haason Reddick. The two prominent veteran pieces that arguably excelled most during their time on the field in 2021.

Reddick was an absolute revelation after his move in free agency en route to 11 sacks. Gilmore, an in-season trade acquisition from the New England Patriots, showed he has what it takes to be a lockdown cornerback once again after making a successful return from a torn quad.

Money is tight, there’s no getting away from that. Although it seems highly unlikely at this juncture, if Carolina can extend both Reddick and Gilmore, it would represent a statement of intent and even allow them to be a more attractive free-agent destination for good measure.

Obviously, the Panthers cannot keep everybody happy. In all honesty, they probably don’t want to either after the season the team’s just endured.

However, prioritizing Reddick and Gilmore is an absolute must for a team that needs all the productive veteran leaders it can get.