Stay or Go? Projecting every Panthers free agent situation in 2022
By Dean Jones
Brandon Zylstra – Carolina Panthers WR
The Carolina Panthers didn’t get much from their pass-catchers outside of D.J. Moore in 2021. However, Brandon Zylstra proved he could be relied upon on a rotational basis and did his chances of a longer stay no harm at all.
Obviously, much will depend on how those in power perceive Terrace Marshall Jr. and Shi Smith’s potential following anonymous rookie campaigns. There is also the influence of new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo to consider.
Stay or Go? STAY
Zylstra is a fan favorite that can produce the goods when called upon. With so many questions surrounding players like Robby Anderson, Marshall, and Smith, keeping him on the books should be a no-brainer when it’s all said and done.
Sean Chandler – Carolina Panthers S
Another of Matt Rhule’s former college players who joined the head coach in Carolina, Sean Chandler was given plenty of playing time and although he had some nice moments, there are some clear frailties within his game that were often exposed.
One thing Chandler might have going for him is the lack of safety options on the Panthers. But it’s hard to justify giving the Temple product an extension based on what we saw during the previous campaign.
Stay or Go? GO
Putting someone reliable on the backend alongside Jeremy Chinn would be a shrewd move by the Panthers this offseason. Whether it comes from free agency or the draft remains to be seen, but Chandler should not be part of their long-term plans.