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.
Carolina Panthers could target Terron Armstead
There appears little doubt that the biggest name remaining on the free-agent market is Terron Armstead. The left tackle is now officially looking for a home after a new deal didn’t come from the New Orleans Saints, who got themselves from $84 million over the cap to within a touching distance of being able to take on Deshaun Watson’s contract in a potential trade.
This sorcery is something the Saints and their cap guru tandem of Mickey Loomis and Khai Harley have been doing for some time now. One could not rule out Armstead returning to New Orleans if they manage to pull off a bombshell trade for the Houston Texans quarterback.
The Carolina Panthers should be watching this situation closely. Armstead is an instant problem-solver on the blindside and although acquiring the player wouldn’t be cheap, this would be a substantial coup for the organization in their pursuit of finally finding a replacement for Jordan Gross.
One potential complication could be Armstead’s ambition. The veteran would probably want to join a team with a legitimate chance of becoming a playoff contender, something the Panthers cannot really offer right now.
Money solves all issues more often than not. But Armstead has earned plenty of that throughout his career and is probably looking for the right fit because he is going to get paid either way.
Carolina Panthers could target JC Tretter
Another veteran name that was shown the door ahead of time was JC Tretter. The talented center was a cost-cutting measure by the Cleveland Browns and it shouldn’t take long for the player to find a new home based on some outstanding previous production.
The Carolina Panthers could be on the lookout for an upgrade at the position with Matt Paradis out of contract and unlikely to return. There is still the option of Pat Elflein after he demonstrated some improvements once installed into his college spot, but there’s just no telling for sure whether he can build on this in 2022.
Tretter was a model of consistency for the Browns last season, giving up just one sack and conceding three penalties from 1,039 snaps to secure an outstanding 78.7 grade from Pro Football Focus. He is entering his ninth NFL campaign and providing there is a mutual interest, it’s definitely something that the Panthers should explore, at the very least.
Slotting Tretter onto an interior that now has Super Bowl champion Austin Corbett at the right guard spot could mean improved protection for whoever is under center. His ability to influence proceedings in the run game and communicate exceptionally pre-snap are traits the Panthers sorely lacked last time around.
Again, they would need to act fast. But Tretter might also decide to wait for a playoff contender.
Carolina Panthers could target Jameis Winston
The Deshaun Watson situation has been resolved and the Carolina Panthers are out of the running after a year-long pursuit of the player. A major blow to David Tepper and something that has once again left the organization red-faced in their attempts to finally get things right under center.
Carolina’s pursuit of Watson has been relentless. But they have failed if those in power haven’t thought of contingency plans that could potentially bring an upgrade on Sam Darnold next season.
Even though it’s something of a wildcard, gambling on Jameis Winston is an option to consider if Watson chooses the Saints. Albeit a feast or famine one that could legitimately go either way.
Winston has undeniable talents and the highlights from his 5,000 passing yards season are there for all to see. However, the former No. 1 overall selection out of Florida State is a turnover waiting to happen and the jury is still out as to whether or not he has eradicated these complications from his game after backing up Drew Brees with the Saints.
An injury early in the 2021 season denied Winston a chance at succeeding Brees long-term, but he appears well on track to be ready for the upcoming campaign. Considering what options are available elsewhere, this might be the best Carolina can do if Watson goes to a divisional rival as expected.
Carolina Panthers could target Ereck Flowers
Even though the Carolina Panthers signed Austin Corbett when the legal tampering period got underway, the organization could still use one or two veteran pieces to further strengthen arguably the worst unit on the depth chart in 2021. Of course, they could always go down the draft route, but with one pick in the top-100 and a clear need at the quarterback spot, utilizing some more funds in free agency for someone that can provide immediate assistance would be wise.
The Washington Commanders made a series of veteran cuts earlier this week. Ereck Flowers was one name deemed surplus to requirements and the versatile lineman could be someone the Panthers identify as a player of interest if his demands aren’t too high.
Flowers came into the league with a glowing reputation after the New York Giants took him No. 9 overall in 2015. The Miami product has had moments of real quality and although he looks better suited to an interior role, he possesses experience at the left tackle position if Carolina or someone else needs him to fill in.
At 6-foot-6 and 334 pounds, Flowers played 1,061 snaps for the Commanders in 2021, giving up six sacks and conceding two penalties en route to a creditable 72.0 grade from Pro Football Focus. He also has plenty of his career left at just 27 years old.
This wouldn’t be the worst move in the world. A guard combination of Flowers and Corbett could be exactly what the Panthers have been craving.