5 remaining free agents the Carolina Panthers must snap up quickly
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should target Carl Nassib
Considering he was due an $8 million roster bonus at the start of the league year, it wasn’t all that surprising to see the Las Vegas Raiders cut ties with Carl Nassib. The defensive end generated a significant amount of headlines for bravely becoming the NFL’s first openly gay player last year, something that saw his jersey sales go through the roof and adulation come from all forms of life.
Nassib is a talented individual, even if he was used more as a rotational piece by the Raiders in 2021. The former third-round pick turned out in just 29 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, gaining 1.5 sacks, six pressures, four quarterback hits, and five tackles for loss.
The Carolina Panthers did re-sign Marquis Haynes, which should help enormously. But it might have to be a collective effort when it comes to replicating Haason Reddick’s production, who signed for the Philadelphia Eagles on a deal that came with $30 fully guaranteed.
Asking Nassib to come in and immediately get double-digit sacks is perhaps a little unrealistic. However, his high motor and ability in run support could make a significant difference for Carolina if they went in this direction.
The player should have a few suitors now he has been given an opportunity to seek pastures new. So the Panthers need to act quickly if those in power identify the Penn State product as someone that could improve their roster.