4 free agents under 25 years old the Panthers should target in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should target Jordan Whitehead
Finding a long-term partner for Jeremy Chinn at the safety position should also be sought as a matter of urgency this offseason. The former second-round pick went over the 100-tackle mark following his transition to the backend in 2021, but unreliable production from the likes of Juston Burris and Sean Chandler means both should probably be moved on in the upcoming free agency period.
There are some enticing draft prospects that warrant consideration. However, the Carolina Panthers possess just one draft selection in the top-100 as it stands and this could lead them down the free agency route to find the right fit.
One player they are familiar with is Jordan Whitehead. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ safety has been an influential figure since arriving in the league as a fourth-round pick, racking up 292 tackles, five interceptions, and 25 passes defended during this span.
Tampa Bay is up against it from a financial standpoint this offseason and needs to find a franchise quarterback following Tom Brady’s retirement. This means their priorities lie elsewhere and if Whitehead was to test the market, there would be more than a few suitors looking to pounce.
The Panthers wouldn’t be wise to get themselves into a bidding war for any player in the coming days. But it’s hard to look at Whitehead’s contribution over the last four years and not think he could not be a tremendous asset.