5 potential cap casualties the Carolina Panthers could sign in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should target Eric Kendricks
There are big changes happening within the Minnesota Vikings after the franchise decided to remove head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman following another season with no playoff football. Both men were in their respective positions for a considerable period of time and, as is the case in situations like this, some changes to personnel could also be on the way as a result.
The Vikings are $14 million over the cap. So it’s evident that some big-time sacrifices are in their immediate future unless a team trades for quarterback Kirk Cousins and his $45 million fully guaranteed.
One player who could be on the chopping block is Eric Kendricks. The All-Pro linebacker is still playing at an extremely high level, but the $7.54 million savings with an early release is something that will be discussed, at the very least.
Kendricks is a proven force at the second level and if he does depart Minnesota ahead of time, the Carolina Panthers should be on high alert. The inside linebacker spot hasn’t been the same since Luke Kuechly’s shock retirement following the 2019 season, with Tahir Whitehead and Jermaine Carter failing to meet the required standard.
Someone like Kendricks would solve all that in an instant. Releasing him would be a hugely unpopular move and the UCLA product wouldn’t be short of suitors if he was seeking alternative employment at some stage.