Stay or Go? Projecting every Panthers free agent situation in 2022

Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB

There was real hope for Jermaine Carter to establish himself as the starting middle linebacker in 2021. The Carolina Panthers named him as their No. 1 option early in training camp and such was their confidence in the Maryland product, they traded away free-agent signing Denzel Perryman to the Las Vegas Raiders for a late-round selection.

Carter struggled to find the right consistency and Perryman went on to put up some career numbers en route to his first Pro Bowl selection. This was another failed personnel switch which came back to haunt the Panthers in a big way.

Stay or Go? GO

Unless Carter is willing to accept a rotational role with little in the way of financial commitments, then it might be time for the team and the player to go their separate ways. Based on the hope that surrounded him this time last year, it’s a major disappointment.

Marquis Haynes – Carolina Panthers DE/OLB

There is no player who has done more with limited reps than Marquis Haynes over the last two seasons. The edge defender has brought his game on considerably and provides a high-impact presence that could be capable of even more with additional responsibility on his shoulders.

Haynes is now out of contract and could seek more playing time elsewhere. But if the Panthers had any sense whatsoever, they would fight tooth and nail to extend the Ole Miss product and especially if other pass-rushers are traded or take their chances elsewhere.

Stay or Go? STAY

Individuals like Haynes are hard to find. That’s why is essential that Carolina does everything it can to keep him around, even if there could be a nice market that develops.