5 potential free-agent replacements for DaQuan Jones in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which quarterbacks could the Carolina Panthers target to replace DaQuan Jones if the defensive tackle isn’t brought back for the 2022 season?
One of the best signings made by the Carolina Panthers last year that went relatively overlooked was acquiring DaQuan Jones. The defensive tackle penned a one-year, $4 million deal after a successful stint with the Tennessee Titans and provided an experienced presence alongside Derrick Brown throughout the campaign.
Even though the Panthers couldn’t win more than five games once again, there was a lot to like about Jones’ production and consistency. However, with $17.82 million in salary-cap space and plenty of veterans on the lookout for new deals, keeping everybody happy is going to be extremely difficult.
Jones might be low on the team’s list of priorities compared to Stephon Gilmore and Haason Reddick, for example. But if he does end up leaving the organization, Carolina has to invest in another solid option unless Daviyon Nixon makes some exceptional strides in the coming months.
With this in mind, here are five free-agent defensive tackles that could be targeted by the Panthers in this scenario.
Free Agent No. 1
Carolina Panthers could sign Maliek Collins
- 2021 team – Houston Texans
Even though the Houston Texans couldn’t put together an encouraging run of results at any stage during the 2021 season, Maliek Collins is a player that emerged from the campaign with credit and would be an enticing option if allowed to hit the free-agent market. His experience and ability to produce would be a tremendous asset to the Carolina Panthers if DaQuan Jones does depart, although much will depend on what sort of money the former third-round selection is after.
Collins is firmly in his prime years and gained 29 tackles, 2.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, one interception, seven quarterback hits, and 13 pressures from 61 percent of Houston’s defensive snaps en route to an encouraging 64.0 grade from Pro Football Focus.
There’s every chance the Nebraska product could produce even more with additional weapons around him on the defensive front, which Carolina has in abundance.