4 free agents under 25 years old the Panthers should target in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which younger free agents with potential could the Carolina Panthers target to boost their chances in the coming weeks?
We are now one day away from the legal tampering period and it won’t be long before some major dominoes start falling across the league. The Carolina Panthers have improved their chances of becoming bigger players in free agency after a series of contract restructures leaves them with around $30 million to spend, which could be even more if the likes of A.J. Bouye and Dennis Daley are released ahead of time.
There is the obvious speculation linking the Panthers with a bold trade for Deshaun Watson now that he will not be facing criminal charges. But giving up the farm for a player who could still end up being suspended by the NFL is a franchise-altering call that is sure to come with obvious backlash.
Perhaps finding another way to win would be preferable. However, there is a significant amount of urgency for the Panthers to put a solid season together after losing 12 of their final 14 contests in 2021.
Without further ado, here are four free agents under 25 years old that the Panthers could target to boost their long-term fortunes.
Free Agent No. 1
Carolina Panthers should target James Daniels
It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers need some huge improvements on their offensive line. Moves made during the previous offseason just didn’t work out and this should be arguably the team’s top priority before competitive games begin once again.
James Daniels is a young interior lineman with his best football ahead of him. He turned out in 1,121 snaps for the Chicago Bears in 2021, giving up three sacks and conceding nine penalties en route to an impressive 71.0 grade from Pro Football Focus.
Much will depend on whether the Bears keep him around, which is probably likely given his age and potential for further improvements. But if he’s allowed to hit the market, Carolina should be on the phone.