5 major questions the Panthers must answer in 2022 free agency
By Dean Jones
What are some major questions the Carolina Panthers must answer ahead of what’s obviously an important free agency period in 2022?
It’s hard to look at the upcoming free agency period and not think it is one of great importance for the Carolina Panthers. Things are teetering on a knife-edge for head coach Matt Rhule after another season of underachievement, with some huge decisions looming on the horizon that will shape the short and long-term future of the franchise.
Rhule’s coaching staff looks far different after firing four and a further two leaving of their own accord this week despite their job titles remaining the same. This is a damning indictment of the perception Carolina is being held across the league and unless this offseason features numerous home runs, things are unlikely to change.
What comes next for Rhule and the Panthers is critical. Jobs are on the line and judging by the team’s daunting schedule in 2022, there is absolutely no margin for error.
With this in mind, here are five major questions the Panthers must answer ahead of free agency.
Question No. 1
How much cap space can the Carolina Panthers accumulate?
According to Spotrac, the Carolina Panthers have $18.98 million in salary-cap space remaining. This is not exactly ideal and some sacrifices need to be made in order to get this number up and make the necessary improvements to clear problem areas.
There are a couple of ways Carolina can go about this. Veterans can be released ahead of time and one of two on big deals could see some money moved around in terms of restructures to give them a little more breathing space.
Samir Suleiman’s presence and cap-management experience will be a big asset to call upon. But there is much work to be done in the coming weeks.