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.
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.
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.
Alex Erickson – Carolina Panthers WR/KR
Alex Erickson took on kick returning duties for the Carolina Panthers in 2021. There was nothing wrong with his hands, which were always assured and reliable, but the player didn’t accumulate many memorable highlights and there are now calls from some fans to go in a different direction.
Erickson was also a bit-part player in the passing game, which also goes against him. Carolina does possess wideouts that are more influential and can assist on special teams if needed, which might free up a roster spot elsewhere.
Stay or Go? GO
If the Panthers opted to acquire someone else for new special teams coordinator Chris Tabor, Erickson will be on the outside looking in. Something that is a real possibility all things considered.
Rashaan Melvin – Carolina Panthers CB
Although Rashaan Melvin brought a veteran presence to the Carolina Panthers, he wasn’t trusted all that much when it came to the crunch. The defensive back turned out in 40 percent of the team’s defensive snaps and was solid if not spectacular when on the field.
Carolina has a lot of talented young cornerbacks that should provide a solid foundation moving forward. Something that puts Melvin’s status in serious doubt ahead of the all-important decision date.
Stay or Go? GO
This might depend on how the Panthers approach other free agents or potential trades. But one suspects the organization will move on from Melvin at some stage.
John Miller – Carolina Panthers OG
Bringing John Miller back on a team-friendly deal wasn’t a wise move in hindsight. The veteran guard was lackluster throughout the campaign and the “sacks happen” quote was probably the final nail in his coffin as far as fans are concerned.
Miller was a solid run blocker. But there were some obvious flaws protecting the passer and the Carolina Panthers would be wise to move on from the former third-round pick this time around.
Stay or Go? GO
The Panthers have to progress their offensive line in a manner that makes it easier for whoever is under center. Simply put, Miller should not be part of this equation.
Trenton Scott – Carolina Panthers OL
There was a lot to like about Trenton Scott’s ability when he was installed onto the interior due to injury in 2021. However, the Panthers obviously didn’t feel the same way and reverted back to underperforming players such as Pat Elflein and John Miller at the first opportunity.
Scott does have his flaws, especially on the edge. Even though he couldn’t be relied upon from a starting role, the Panthers are not blessed with great depth and this is an area where he could provide assistance.
Stay or Go? STAY
Although Scott was a Pat Meyer guy, giving him a veteran minimum deal and the chance to earn a roster spot in training camp cannot be ruled out.
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers CB
This is one of the more complex situations facing the Carolina Panthers during the offseason. Donte Jackson has made great strides and looks like a tremendous cornerback, but some problems staying healthy indicate that the organization would be taking a risk by giving him a long-term commitment.
Jackson’s tackling has come on and his coverage abilities also deserve praise. The former second-round pick out of LSU also emerged as a leader within the locker room to further enhance his overall influence.
Stay or Go? GO
This will obviously come down to what sort of market develops for Jackson. But the Panthers have let corners entering their primer leave in the past and they might not have the resources to keep him around.
Juston Burris – Carolina Panthers S
It’s been an unfortunate two seasons for Juston Burris. When it looked like the safety was generating some real momentum and starting to impose himself, injury struck and he was never quite the same since.
This puts the Panthers in a predicament with Burris now out of contract. His production was decent on the whole, so it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world to bring him back on a team-friendly deal that can boost their depth chart.
Stay or Go? STAY
Relying on Burris as a starting option might be pushing things moving forward. However, if the player can assist on a rotational role, it could improve his longevity along the way.
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.
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.
Cam Newton – Carolina Panthers QB
There weren’t many highlights from the Carolina Panthers season in 2021. However, one memory stuck out more than any other and it had nothing to do with what transpired between the white lines.
With Sam Darnold on the shelf and P.J. Walker’s inconsistencies evident, the Panthers made a bombshell move to bring back Cam Newton. A decision that sent shockwaves through the NFL and gave the fanbase a new lease of life with their hero making his triumphant return.
The early signs were promising. Newton contributed to two touchdowns in consecutive plays in their Week 10 win at the Arizona Cardinals and the reception he received at Bank of America Stadium against Washington was absolutely extraordinary.
Sadly, this didn’t transition into results on the field. It was a difficult situation for Newton and as soon as Matt Rhule got the chance, he was benched in favor of Darnold and spent the final few games watching from the sidelines.
Stay or Go? GO
One could make a strong argument that Newton deserves a full offseason to familiarize himself after coming to Carolina’s aid last time around. But there is no room for sentiment in the NFL and the Panthers clearly possess grander ambitions to improve production at the most important position on the field.