Which free agents currently remaining on the market should the Carolina Panthers snap up at the earliest possible opportunity?
We are now not the new league year and there is plenty of activity transpiring across the league. The Carolina Panthers have picked up some useful additions so far despite the Deshaun Watson cloud hanging over them, which has yet to be resolved and isn’t looking too promising, in any case.
Of course, it was always going to take more than Watson for the Panthers to become serious playoff contenders. There are multiple holes that need filling and also the small matter of prominent veteran leaders on and off the field that need to be replaced.
This is a precarious situation Carolina finds itself in. A lot of the problems are self-inflicted, which only makes things that much more difficult with head coach Matt Rhule firmly on the hot season.
Although there are some big free agents already on new teams, here are five still on the market that the Panthers should consider as soon as possible.
Free Agent No. 1
Carolina Panthers could target Bradley Bozeman
Pat Elflein could get another chance to cement his spot at the center position next season. However, there is also a high chance the Carolina Panthers could look at an alternative option if the right opportunity comes along.
If the price is right and the Baltimore Ravens let him walk, Bradley Bozeman is an ultra-consistent presence that can provide both consistency and leadership in a time of need. The former Alabama stud gave up just three sacks and conceded one penalty from 1,125 snaps, which is far greater consistency than anything Carolina churned out with Elflein and Matt Paradis, who is out of contract and unlikely to return.
Carolina Panthers should target Sheldon Richardson
DaQuan Jones has officially left the Carolina Panthers after just one season. The imposing defensive tackle was presented with an acceptable offer from the Buffalo Bills soon after the legal tampering period began, which gives the player a potential shot at winning the Super Bowl in 2022.
Unless Bravvion Roy and Daviyon Nixon make monumental leaps forward in the coming months, the Carolina Panthers need to find an adequate replacement for Jones given how important he became to the team’s defensive front alongside Derrick Brown during the previous campaign.
Experience will be key when examining potential candidates considering the urgency to win now after so much failure. If this is a route the front office chooses to go down, then someone like Sheldon Richardson is worth a look.
The former first-round pick out of Missouri was part of the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 and can operate either as a defensive tackle or a defensive end should the opportunity arise. Richardson can assist against the run and specializes in getting after the quarterback from the interior, which is something the Panthers could certainly use moving forward.
Much will depend on the finances involved. But with Jones no longer part of the equation, Richardson represents someone that could do a similar job for Carolina in 2022.
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.
Carolina Panthers should target Tavon Young
It doesn’t look likely that Stephon Gilmore or Donte Jackson will be coming back to the Carolina Panthers. The two cornerbacks might be asking for too much financially and considering the young talent already has on its roster, committing so much to the secondary might not be in their train of thought right now.
That could all change depending on how their respective markets develop over the next few days. The Panthers also released veteran Pro Bowler A.J. Bouye with one-year remaining on his deal to further decrease the team’s options.
Perhaps looking for a free agent that wouldn’t cost the earth is a smart way to go. Tavon Young is a name to watch and still remains on the market despite an encouraging year overall with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021.
Young played in a career-high 17 games for the Ravens last season. He gave up just 65.5 percent of balls thrown his way and conceded an impressive 85.1 passer rating when targeted to further enhance his overall influence on a secondary that was missing key men such as Marcus Peters throughout the campaign.
This could be a nice pickup for the Panthers if Gilmore and Jackson do leave as expected. But Baltimore might decide to extend the former fourth-round pick and see if he can build on his recent production.
Carolina Panthers should target Duane Brown
Although Duane Brown is now firmly in the twilight of his career, this has the potential to solidify the blindside on a short-term basis. The veteran left tackle was still performing at a high standard in 2021, turning out in 968 snaps and reaching his fifth Pro Bowl along the way.
Brown would certainly need convincing when it comes to joining the Carolina Panthers. But he is familiar with general manager Scott Fitterer and would be guaranteed a starting gig due to the team’s distinct lack of reliable options outside of perhaps Brady Christensen.
It doesn’t appear as if Brown is ready to walk away just yet. Whether he considers Carolina to be an attractive destination or not is the biggest question.
Maybe the All-Pro will want to sit tight and wait for things to develop in the days and even weeks ahead. Teams are always looking for players that can help them get better on the offensive line and even though Brown is a little long in the tooth, a one-year, fully guaranteed contract might be all it takes.
This will also depend on what the Panthers plan to do with Christensen. He showed some promise on the edge when finally given an opportunity last season, but the coaching staff still appears reluctant to give him the job long-term.
Either way, Brown would represent an upgrade and could even teach Christensen what it takes to truly succeed at the next level.