4 tough cuts the Carolina Panthers could make before 2022 free agency
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players could be tough cuts as the team gets set for a pivotal 2022 free agency period this offseason?
The Carolina Panthers are heading into what can only be described as a critical period in the organization’s immediate future. Things did not go entirely according to plan in 2021 despite a promising start, so unless those in power hit some major home runs ahead of a tough-looking schedule next time around, the consequences will be severe and potentially long-term.
Matt Rhule is a man under fire. There’s no getting away from that and the former Baylor man knows another failed offseason in terms of major personnel moves could cost him his job either during or after the upcoming campaign.
The Panthers have around $15 million in salary-cap space and one draft selection in the opening three rounds. Not exactly rich in assets by any stretch of the imagination.
However, there are always ways to work around this sort of complication. Trading back from No. 6 to acquire additional capital, restructuring contracts, and making some early cap cuts are the primary ways, which should come sooner rather than later if the likes of Rhule, Scott Fitterer, and Samir Suleiman see fit.
Things are hanging in the balance for Carolina. And there will be a few current members of the roster nervously awaiting their fate in the not-too-distant future.
With this in mind, here are four tough cuts the Panthers could make before 2022 free agency.