5 early releases that could help the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could use Jon Feliciano
This one went relatively under the radar compared to the other moves this week. But the Buffalo Bills parting ways with Jon Feliciano should catch the Carolina Panthers’ attention when examining just how to upgrade their offensive line this offseason.
Carolina needs help on their protection, and quickly. Taylor Moton’s production aside, this unit was reckless and almost devoid of any consistency outside of a two-game stretch midway through the campaign – something that absolutely must change moving forward.
Feliciano wouldn’t be the flashiest move by any stretch of the imagination. But the former third-round pick played well on a rotational role on the interior for the Bills last time around and could become more influential with additional responsibility on his shoulders.
The Miami product didn’t give up a sack and conceded three penalties from 442 snaps in 2021. He has had some trouble staying healthy over the last two seasons, so a contingency plan should also be sought if Carolina went in this particular direction.
This move is also unlikely to cost the earth, which is another positive for the Panthers with a little more than $31 million in free resources right now. Feliciano would need to convince those in power his complications staying on the field are behind him but might be willing to take a short-term deal to prove this notion.