5 early releases that could help the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could use Jordan Hicks
Finding a long-term successor for Luke Kuechly has been a tough task for the Carolina Panthers. Not entirely unexpected considering how intelligent and impactful the former first-round selection was both on and off the field.
This has to be one of the team’s top priorities this offseason. Jermaine Carter didn’t work out as anticipated and with the Maryland product now out of contract, the Panthers might want to go in a different direction for the third-straight year.
One player that could fit the bill that was cut ahead of time to save the Arizona Cardinals $6.5 million is Jordan Hicks.
There was talk that the linebacker might be traded last year after the organization decided to draft Zaven Collins. But they kept him around and after a campaign where he racked up 116 tackles and four sacks, Hicks can now expect more than a few willing suitors as he plans his next move.
Hicks would be a tremendous addition to a Carolina defense that might be losing some key figures in the coming days. He is a sideline-to-sideline presence that can make things happen against the run and also assist in obvious pass-rushing situations for good measure.
Again, it will obviously come down to whether Hicks has any interest in joining Matt Rhule’s struggling organization. If it’s something the player would consider, then the Panthers should make him an offer.