6 inside linebackers the Carolina Panthers must consider in free agency

Which inside linebackers should the Carolina Panthers potentially look at targeting during 2022 free agency?

Losing legendary linebacker Luke Kuechly to early retirement was always going to come with a period of transition for the Carolina Panthers. Replacing such exceptional production was a monumental task after everything the former first-round pick out of Boston College gave the organization, but questionable personnel decisions and a blown opportunity mean they could go back to the drawing board this offseason.

Tahir Whitehead was a major swing and miss in 2020. The Panthers decided pretty early on that Jermaine Carter was their starting middle linebacker last season despite the presence of free-agent signing Denzel Perryman, who was swiftly traded to the Las Vegas Raiders and eventually earned his first-ever Pro Bowl selection after a superb campaign.

Perhaps finding a long-term option via the draft is a realistic possibility for Carolina if other needs are strengthened beforehand. However, there are some productive veterans set to hit the free-agent market this spring that warrant consideration providing the money is right for all parties.

This is becoming an ongoing complication for the Panthers. One they must resolve at the earliest possible opportunity.

With this in mind, here are six inside linebackers the Panthers should consider when the busy free agency period finally gets underway later this month.