4 free agents under 25 years old the Panthers should target in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should target Connor Williams
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers need help across their protection outside of stud right tackle Taylor Moton. Pat Elflein’s contract restructure indicates he could be the team’s starting center in 2022, which makes it absolutely essential the right reinforcements are sought at the guard positions.
Providing there is enough money to go around, Connor Williams would be a name of interest. At 24 years old, the versatile offensive lineman carved out a prominent role for himself on the Dallas Cowboys and the former second-round pick enjoyed the best season of his professional career last time around.
Williams played 948 snaps for the Cowboys in 2021, conceding just one sack and earning an outstanding 76.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. However, discipline at the line of scrimmage was a major issue for the player, who gave up no fewer than 15 penalties.
Providing this is something Williams can eradicate from his game moving forward, he is going to be a hot commodity on the free-agent market if Dallas cannot free up enough funds to keep him around. This would be an instant solution for the Panthers and could also solidify one of their offensive line positions in the long term.
According to Spotrac, Williams is set to command an annual salary of $13.2 million on a four-year, $52.8 million deal. Although this is expensive, Carolina needs to invest heavily in their offensive line and he could fit the bill.