5 intriguing free agents Panthers could snag on the cheap in 2022
By Dean Jones
Marlon Mack – RB
- 2021 team – Indianapolis Colts
Getting a power running back is something the Carolina Panthers should try and do this offseason. Another season of frustration for Christian McCaffrey thanks to injuries almost guarantees a shift in the way he’s utilized, which is the only way to preserve his health and maximize impact moving forward.
Carolina does have Chuba Hubbard and hopefully, Ameer Abdullah can come back on a team-friendly deal. However, neither is particularly efficient working between the tackles and the Panthers need another bruiser to do the hard yards in pursuit of taking this responsibility away from McCaffrey.
If the organization decides to look at free agents to solve this issue, then Marlon Mack is a name to monitor. The veteran became a relative afterthought on the Indianapolis Colts thanks to the emergence of Jonathan Taylor, who enjoyed a phenomenal campaign that was worthy of MVP consideration, in all honesty.
Mack ended up playing just six games in 2021 and was the subject of intense trade speculation before the deadline. Perhaps a fresh start is the best possible solution for all parties and putting him on the Panthers alongside McCaffrey and Hubbard could be an exceptional trio.
It’s unlikely Mack is going to get major money, even if he will be only 26 years old when the 2022 season gets underway. If there is a mutual interest and his medical checks out, this makes a ton of sense.