5 former Carolina Panthers players who could return in 2022

Efe Obada – Former Carolina Panthers DL

The Carolina Panthers defensive front made some nice strides last season. However, DaQuan Jones, Haason Reddick, and Marquis Haynes are all out of contract and could need replacing during a pivotal offseason period for the organization.

This wouldn’t be ideal to lose all three. But general manager Scott Fitterer conceded that Reddick will test the market and Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network added that the outside linebacker and the team are worlds apart on a possible extension at this juncture.

If the Panthers want to find someone that is already familiar with the scheme and has proven production within it, then Efe Obada is a player worth considering. The versatile defensive linemen enjoyed a career year with Carolina in 2021 before signing with the Buffalo Bills, where he played 10 games – one of which he started.

As was the case in Carolina, Obada made his time on the field count. Despite turning out in just 35 percent of the Bills’ defensive snaps, the Nigerian-born player gained 3.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits, three tackles for loss, and 11 pressures, which is not bad by any stretch of the imagination.

Obada was a fan favorite that gave his absolute all. Rising from obscurity to form a highly encouraging career for himself.

If the Panthers need a depth chart piece that can play almost anywhere on the defensive front, it would be wise to have a discussion about Obada, at the very least.