Stay or Go? Projecting every Panthers free agent situation in 2022
By Dean Jones
DaQuan Jones – Carolina Panthers DT
Acquiring DaQuan Jones relatively late in the 2021 free agency period was a shrewd bit of business by the Carolina Panthers. The defensive tackle formed a solid partnership with Derrick Brown and provided a strong veteran presence that made a significant impression throughout the season.
Jones penned a one-year, $4 million deal and one could argue he outperformed this financial figure. If the money is right and there is a mutual interest, then extending the former Tennessee Titan could prove fruitful ahead of a critical season for the franchise.
Stay or Go? STAY
Solid performers with a good track record such as Jones are essential with so much disruption expected to the Panthers roster. If the money is right, we should see the lineman return.
Matt Paradis – Carolina Panthers C
Much was expected of Matt Paradis when the Panthers brought him in on a big-money deal from the Denver Broncos. The center started off well but a lack of presence around him on the interior impacted his production and considering he tore his ACL in Week 9 against the New England Patriots, the chances of him returning are slim at best.
Paradis was projected to be the heir apparent to Ryan Kalil, which didn’t work out as anticipated. However, he’ll still count around $8 million in dead-cap money next season following a contract restructure.
Stay or Go? GO
Had Paradis not gotten hurt, this might be different. But the Panthers cannot afford to wait around on the off chance that the veteran can recover quickly and make an impact.