5 high-risk free agents the Carolina Panthers should consider in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could target Mike Hughes
Again, strengthening the cornerback unit doesn’t appear to be that much of a need. But that could change if the Carolina Panthers lose either Stephon Gilmore or Donte Jackson in free agency.
It’s hard to look at this predicament and not think the Panthers aren’t going to choose between the two. Both players have their positives, so it’ll be interesting to see which avenue they choose to go down.
Carolina has plenty of young talent within the secondary. Should Gilmore or Jackson leave, then acquiring a veteran capable of leading would be beneficial, rather than selecting a promising college prospect via the 2022 NFL Draft.
Mike Hughes is an interesting name that could hit the market. The former first-round pick was blighted by injury with the Minnesota Vikings that led to his release, but he found a new lease of life on the Kansas City Chiefs that resulted in the Central Florida product gaining a superb 79.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
It’s also worth remembering that Hughes only recently turned 25 years old. So providing he can stay free of injury moving forward, there could be even more to come entering his prime.
Obviously, there is no guarantee of this. Even though Hughes was ever-present throughout the Chiefs’ 17-game regular-season schedule, starting five times.
This is a high-risk pickup with an extremely high reward if it comes off for Carolina.