5 difficult questions facing the Carolina Panthers in 2022 free agency
By Dean Jones
Can the Carolina Panthers free up money to boost the OL?
Strengthening the offensive line is going to make or break the Carolina Panthers in 2022. They are primed to take an elite left tackle at No. 6 overall should they opt to go down this route, but there are also a few top-notch free agents also set to hit the market that will be of significant interest.
The question is not whether the Panthers would be interested in these players. That’s beyond all doubt at this juncture with only stud right tackle Taylor Moton guaranteed a starting berth in 2022 from the team’s current options.
However, just how much financial resources Carolina can free up in pursuit of landing one or two proven protectors with Pro Bowl or even All-Pro capabilities is the great dilemma.
General manager Scott Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule conceded that the offensive line needs to be their primary focus. If improved quality is not acquired, then it doesn’t really matter who is playing quarterback.
Money can be moved around via releases or restructures. Convincing some of the top free agents that the Panthers are a solid destination might be harder.
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It’s going to be a fascinating free agency across the league. Those in power within the Panthers have some enormous pressure on their shoulders and considering Rhule still has the final say, there isn’t much confidence they can emerge from this period with increased expectations.