5 second-wave free agents the Carolina Panthers could target in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which players still on the market should the Carolina Panthers look at acquiring during the second wave of 2022 free agency?
To say the first week of free agency was dramatic would be understating things slightly from the Carolina Panthers’ perspective. The team finally got a decision from Deshaun Watson, who opted for the Cleveland Browns as his destination of choice, but this was followed by a swift period of activity that saw the organization dust themselves off and give some belief that things might start trending on an upward curve in 2022.
Of course, there is the ongoing cloud at quarterback hanging over the team. Sam Darnold is simply not the answer and whether it comes via trade, free agency, or the draft, it’s highly likely Carolina will have a new man under center for the third straight year unless there is a drastic change of heart.
There will be many twists and turns to come. But based on what’s transpired over the last week, the Panthers are taking a far more profitable approach to recruitment than at any stage under Matt Rhule’s tenure previously.
Without further ado, we took a look at five players the Panthers might target during the second wave of 2022 free agency.
Free Agent No. 1
Carolina Panthers could target Duane Brown
According to David Newton of ESPN, the Carolina Panthers are showing an interest in acquiring free-agent left tackle Duane Brown. Although the five-time Pro Bowler is a little long in the tooth, he represents a stable short-term solution at a time when the organization needs immediate help from its veteran arrivals.
Brown has been a top performer for many years. Although he’s passed the peak of his powers, the Virginia Tech product still has a couple of years left in the tank if his production for the Seattle Seahawks last time around is any indication.
Only time will tell as to whether Newton’s report amounts to anything more. But it would be the clearest sign yet Carolina will take a quarterback at No. 6 overall.