Stay or Go? Projecting every Panthers free agent situation in 2022
By Dean Jones
Stephon Gilmore – Carolina Panthers CB
Even though the Carolina Panthers were preaching a rebuild, trading for All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore came with win-now aspirations. The veteran looked like a shutdown presence upon returning from a torn quad and although keeping him around would be highly beneficial, the South Carolina product will be a hot name in free agency that could land him on a team with a legitimate chance of winning a Super Bowl.
This is expected to be Gilmore’s final big contract before retirement. Playing closer to home was something the player loved in Carolina, but that’s not the be-all and end-all when it comes to making business decisions.
Stay or Go? GO
Fans would love Gilmore to come back and so would the young corners on the team that took on plenty of useful information from the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year. However, interest from elsewhere will probably be too tempting to ignore.
Haason Reddick – Carolina Panthers OLB
Haason Reddick was an absolute revelation for the Panthers last season, proving beyond all doubt he is an elite pass-rusher rather than a one-hit-wonder. The outside linebacker took his tally to 23.5 sacks over the last two seasons, which is set to earn him a ton of cash once the free-agent frenzy begins.
General manager Scott Fitterer has already declared that Reddick will test the market, where he is expected to command anywhere between $15-17 million annually. Carolina does want a chance at matching any offer, which will be extremely difficult with little in the way of wiggle room financially.
Stay or Go? GO
Losing Reddick would be a significant blow for the Panthers. But that is where everything seems to be heading unless there is a drastic change.