5 potential cap casualties the Carolina Panthers could sign in 2022

(Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) Tyron Smith
(Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) Tyron Smith /
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(Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports) Tyron Smith /

Carolina Panthers should target Tyron Smith

Although he is heading into the twilight of his career, Tyron Smith would be a hot commodity in free agency if the cash-strapped Dallas Cowboys decide to cut ties. This would be a big call for the team to make, but they need to save money somewhere and $13.5 million represents a large chunk of change regarding a player that did have some struggles staying on the field in 2021.

Smith’s production was still full of quality when he was manning the blindside in Dallas. The former first-round pick gave up two sacks and conceded seven penalties from 781 snaps to secure a phenomenal 91.4 grade from Pro Football Focus, which represents a significant upgrade on the likes of Cam Erving and Brady Christensen, who turned out at left tackle for the Carolina Panthers in 2021.

Finding a premier, consistent left tackle has been a tough ask for the Panthers. One they haven’t been able to accomplish since Jordan Gross retired and if the coaching staff decide Christensen is better suited elsewhere, then it becomes arguably the team’s top priority this offseason.

Although landing Smith in this scenario would be a major coup by the Panthers, it might represent nothing more than a band-aid solution that would cost far more than if the organization picked up a top college prospect at No. 6 overall in the draft.

However, there is an incredible amount of pressure on Matt Rhule to get things right in Year 3 of his tenure, so this might just be the path Carolina goes down as a result.

Former All-Pro tackles don’t grow on trees. Providing there is a mutual interest, the Panthers could do far worse than acquiring Smith.