5 cornerbacks the Carolina Panthers could target in 2022 free agency
By Jason Huber
Carolina Panthers could sign D.J. Reed
With Scott Fitterer as general manager, there will always be ties to the Seattle Seahawks when it comes to trades and free agents. At 25 years old, D.J. Reed is coming off a career year and should have plenty of suitors lining up to try and sign the former fifth-round pick.
Reed is still young but has also been in the league for a few years and fought his way up through the ranks. He would bring the ability to play on both sides of the field alongside Jaycee Horn and could be an immediate starter if the Carolina Panthers were to lose Stephon Gilmore and Donte Jackson in free agency.
Last season, Reed played in 14 games and had 10 passes defended, two interceptions, and held opponents he defended to a 47.7 percent completion rating.
With Reed coming off his best season, his price might range vary but he is projected to get a three-year, $24 million deal by Pro Football Focus.
The Panthers would likely be hesitant to pay $8 million per year and might not need to with Horn and C.J. Henderson still around. But if Fitterer can find a way to have one of his former players come on a lesser deal, Reed would boost this secondary and it is something to consider if Jackson or Gilmore departs as expected.