5 roster moves that could save the Carolina Panthers $28.5 million in 2022

Which roster moves could the Carolina Panthers make to put themselves in a better financial position ahead of a critical 2022 offseason period?

We are entering an important preparation period for the Carolina Panthers. One that could determine once and for all whether head coach Matt Rhule is the right guy to lead this team.

It was a disastrous 2021 season for the Panthers after a promising start. No fewer than 12 defeats from their final 14 games left many wondering whether Rhule should come back for his third year at the helm, but team owner David Tepper’s pride probably dictated his appointment would get a reprieve despite little to no progress being made during the campaign.

Strengthening their options will be difficult this offseason. Carolina has one draft pick in the top-100 and with just $18 million in salary-cap space available, some big decisions loom large on the horizon.

Using Over the Cap’s calculator, we picked out five roster moves that could save the Panthers $28.5 million and get the team’s available funds up to around $46.5 million in 2022.

Roster Move No. 1

Carolina Panthers cut Dennis Daley

• 2022 cap saving – $2.54 million

This should be a no-brainer, in all honesty.

Dennis Daley was once again lethargic and inconsistent during his time on the field in 2021, with his “not my job” quote following a post-game presser infuriating large sections of the team’s fanbase. This was a damning indictment of his lack of accountability and the Carolina Panthers should cut the former sixth-round pick loose this offseason with a projected cap saving of $2.54 million.

The South Carolina product has now blown good starting opportunities over the last two seasons. If Daley is removed in the coming weeks, he has nobody else to blame but himself.