5 big splashes the Carolina Panthers can still make in free agency
By Dean Jones
What big splashes could the Carolina Panthers still make during 2022 free agency to boost their fortunes next season?
We are now well into the free agency period by NFL standards and the Carolina Panthers still have some significant holes to fill. One story above all has dominated their offseason so far, but the franchise will now have to turn their attentions elsewhere after Deshaun Watson’s representatives informed them they are officially out of the running.
Acquiring Watson was always going to be a long shot. But the Panthers have enough left financially to make some waves and there is also plenty of talent looking for new homes still sitting on the market.
Whether they would deem Carolina as an attractive destination or not is the big question. However, if the Watson saga has taught us anything, it’s that Panthers won’t hesitate to swing for the fences if they feel it can benefit their chances.
With this in mind, here are five free agents that represent big splashes the Panthers should consider making in the not-too-distant future.
Big Splash No. 1
Carolina Panthers could target Matt Ioannidis
DaQuan Jones is no longer on the Carolina Panthers after he left in free agency to sign for the Buffalo Bills. This is a tremendous opportunity for the defensive tackle, but it does leave his old employers short of experience alongside Derrick Brown on the interior.
Much will depend on how the coaching staff sees Daviyon Nixon and Bravvion Roy, who could see additional playing time with the right improvements this offseason. However, a former Matt Rhule college player just became available and it might be worth the team taking a long look at Matt Ioannidis as a potential plug-and-play option in the short term.
Ioannidis has 24.5 sacks and 59 quarterback hits during his career. The lineman can operate anywhere across the front and this makes a ton of sense for Carolina all things considered.