5 second-wave free agents the Carolina Panthers could target in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could target Carlos Dunlap
Again, this would be a short-term solution given Carlos Dunlap‘s age. But the Carolina Panthers are now in win-now mode with Matt Rhule on the hot seat and this could see them take chances on players they wouldn’t have necessarily done this time last year.
The Panthers lost Haason Reddick in free agency when the stud edge rusher signed for the Philadelphia Eagles. Marquis Haynes was re-signed, but there’s just no telling for sure whether the coaching staff is comfortable putting him in a starting role.
This would also depend on how Carolina is going to deploy Yetur Gross-Matos heading into Year 3 of his professional career. However, someone with Dunlap’s previous production and overall knowledge could also help the dynamic young rushers at Carolina’s disposal along the way.
Dunlap was recently shown the door by the Seattle Seahawks despite gaining 8.5 sacks in 2021. He is a two-time Pro Bowler who’s registered 96 quarterback takedowns throughout his career, so the benefits of signing him to a one-year deal are there for all to see.
Much will depend on whether there is a mutual interest. Dunlap could look for a team with a better chance of contending right now, but if the market is slim then it could put the Panthers in play if they do end up targeting the former second-round pick out of Florida.