6 safeties the Carolina Panthers must consider in 2022 free agency

Carolina Panthers must consider Jessie Bates III

Jessie Bates III is coming off of a down season of sorts. But he reverted back to the player we all know him to be during a memorable postseason run that almost resulted in a Super Bowl title.

He’s a young and athletic safety that roams in the middle of the field for the Cincinnati Bengals. Bates could be re-signed by the organization given their promising cap situation, but if they decide to let him test the market, he will be a hot name in free agency.

Bates isn’t only playing the free safety position, but he got a decent number of snaps in the box and slot areas to further enhance his versatility. Something the Carolina Panthers love in almost all their new recruits.

The former second-round pick out of Wake Forest is only 25 years old and is still learning how to be a safety in the NFL. So there is a chance Bates hasn’t even hit his true ceiling yet.

Bates would come with an expensive price tag. His production when it mattered most during the playoffs proves he is a top-dollar safety.

The Panthers may not have enough cap space for the move. But if he hits free agency, he should receive a call from Carolina.