Stay or Go? Projecting every Panthers free agent situation in 2022
By Dean Jones
A number of Carolina Panthers players are hitting free agency, here are some projections about whether they will stay or go in 2022.
The free agency period is almost upon us and the Carolina Panthers have some monumental decisions to make in the coming days. This bears significance not only in terms of recruitment but a number of key veterans are also on the lookout for new deals with a little under $30 million available to spend right now.
This is an offseason period of great importance for the Panthers. They have some significant holes that need filling and there is also the lingering speculation linking the organization with a bold move to acquire Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson via trade now that he won’t be facing any criminal charges.
Watson’s arrival – as controversial as it might be – would shift the landscape in Carolina for good or bad. But every scenario needs to have a plan given the need to turn things around in 2022.
With this in mind, we took a look at every free agent ahead of the legal tampering period and projected whether they will stay or leave the Panthers this offseason.
Player No. 1
Mike Panasiuk – Carolina Panthers OL/DL
There is no real chance of Mike Panasiuk making his presence felt as a starter. But he does have some nice versatility to play either on offense or defense that is loved by the coaching staff based on their recruitment since Matt Rhule took charge.
Panasiuk was not signed to a futures contract following the season, which could indicate his days are numbered. The Michigan State product transitioned from a defensive tackle to the offensive line last season and was a practice squad piece for the majority of the campaign.
Stay or go? GO
In truth, this might be an easy call to make. Panasiuk doesn’t have the upside of others on the team and should be let go.