4 kickers the Carolina Panthers should consider in 2022 free agency

Which kickers could the Carolina Panthers potentially target during 2022 free agency to strengthen their special teams?

This past season was strange for many reasons. Many injuries occurred, and new players were switching to many new teams. The Carolina Panthers were one of the organizations that were very active in the free-agent and trade market during the campaign, which didn’t bring much good fortune in terms of results.

The Panthers concluded the 2021 season with the most in-season transactions that fans are accustomed to seeing. We saw new a tight end traded away, two cornerbacks acquired, a quarterback signing and multiple kickers make an appearance.

After a few injuries and poor performances, the Panthers had six different kickers during the regular season. Carolina even released Joey Slye before the regular season, making it a total of seven overall seen by fans.

The Panthers had a few games this season that were close and could’ve been decided by a field goal. This is a position that will continue to play a major role in games.

With this in mind, let’s dive into four potential kickers the Panthers could explore signing in free agency.

Kicker No. 1

Carolina Panthers could re-sign Zane Gonzalez

During the regular season, Zane Gonzalez signed off the Detroit Lions practice squad. After a few struggling performances from other kickers, the former seventh-round pick made a good impression early on upon arriving with the team, something that continued throughout the campaign.

Gonzalez finished the 2021 season with career numbers from both field goals and extra-point attempts. He kicked 91 percent of his field goals successfully and drilled 96% of his extra points through the upright.

His age is also very appealing (will be 26 next season), which would give Carolina a strong option for the future. Gonzalez is the most logical signing for the Panthers, as the team has already stated that they “want him back” next season.

However, if a deal is not made and the team loses out on Gonzalez, then these next kickers should be on their target list.