5 potential free-agent replacements for DaQuan Jones in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could sign B.J. Hill
- 2021 team – Cincinnati Bengals
A change of scenery is sometimes all a player needs to start realizing their potential. The Carolina Panthers were hoping for this from Sam Darnold after acquiring the quarterback from the New York Jets, but things didn’t quite work out and the team could now be on the lookout for yet another starting option under center this offseason.
However, in B.J. Hill’s case, that’s exactly what happened.
After an underwhelming start to his NFL career with the New York Giants, Hill finally sprung to life with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021 to play a substantial role in their memorable run to the Super Bowl. Switching him to a defensive tackle was an absolute masterstroke – a position he should man for the remainder of his time in the league.
Hill is no stranger to the area having played his college football at North Carolina State before he was picked in the second round. He’s been used primarily as a rotational piece more often than not, but with 5.5 sacks and 50 tackles, the lineman is more than ready for additional responsibilities.
The Bengals do have around $58.18 million in spare salary-cap space remaining, according to Spotrac. So one suspects if they want to keep Hill they will have the necessary financial resources to get a deal done.
If they don’t, then the Panthers should be among the first teams calling.