5 cornerbacks the Carolina Panthers could target in 2022 free agency
By Jason Huber
Which cornerbacks could the Carolina Panthers potentially target during the 2022 free agency period if either Donte Jackson or Stephon Gilmore depart?
The Carolina Panthers have struggled to find reliable cornerbacks since their 2015 Super Bowl run. Even though they made some big moves last season, there is still work that needs to be done.
The Panthers’ secondary had a solid year in 2021. But they have two top free agents in Stephon Gilmore and Donte Jackson that need extending and there might not be enough spare money to keep both around.
Gilmore’s price will be high, though and a decision on attempting to re-sign Jackson will also have to be made.
Carolina should have Jaycee Horn returning this season after suffering a broken foot in Week 3 last year, which will be a huge readdition but playing alongside him is where general manager Scott Fitterer has to evaluate this offseason.
In addition to Horn, the Panthers will also hope 23-year-old C.J. Henderson can step up after they traded for him last season.
Henderson is approaching bust territory and if he doesn’t prove his worth this year, the trade for him will look pretty bad.
Keith Taylor had a decent rookie season while filling in this past season, A.J. Bouye provided some solid depth and there will also have to be a decision made on their 2020 fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr.
They won’t need and frankly can’t afford one of the top few guys on the market, so here are five free-agent cornerbacks, not including Gilmore and Jackson, that the Panthers might target this offseason.