6 inside linebackers the Carolina Panthers must consider in free agency
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should consider Anthony Hitchens
One of the first salary-cap casualties across the league ahead of free agency was Anthony Hitchens. The linebacker started 15 regular-season games for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 – making 80 tackles – but the AFC juggernaut is up against it financially and felt the savings involved justified parting ways with a key player on defense.
This should put the Carolina Panthers on red alert. Hitchens would be an instant difference-maker for Phil Snow’s unit and comes from a winning pedigree that could further assist a talented young defense looking to make even more of an impression next time around.
Hitchens has really brought his game on considerably over the last four seasons in Kansas City. There were some tough moments during the previous campaign, but the Panthers would be getting a top performer when firing on all cylinders if they went in this particular direction.
Although Hitchens has some solid production, binging him to the organization might not be anything more than a short-term solution. However, considering what’s on the line for Matt Rhule in 2022, that’s exactly what he should be looking for.
After all, if things go wrong for Rhule again, he is unlikely to get a fourth year as head coach.
Adding Hitchens to the list of candidates to replace Jermaine Carter should be considered. And the player has already proven more than capable of hitting the ground running with a new team.