5 best moves of Carolina Panthers 2022 free agency so far
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers tied down two core pieces
With so much uncertainty surrounding personnel, the Carolina Panthers made a solid move to tie down two core pieces on both sides of the football. Both D.J. Moore and Donte Jackson will now be with the franchise long-term after signing new deals, which provides stability that could play a significant role during the 2022 season and beyond.
Moore has long been regarded as one of the league’s most underrated wide receivers. Going over 1,000 receiving yards for three straight years is remarkable when one considers the lack of consistency at the quarterback position in Carolina almost from the moment he entered the league as a first-round pick out of Maryland.
If the Panthers can figure things out under center, then Moore is only going to get better. And that is a truly scary proposition for opposing teams.
The future of Jackson was up in the air with teams lurking to acquire the cornerback in free agency. But the Panthers will now have the LSU product for the next three seasons and considering Stephon Gilmore is likely to depart, keeping one of them around was absolutely essential.
Jackson has trouble staying healthy and does have work to do elsewhere. But he was playing some outstanding football last season, improved against the run, and also emerged as a prominent leader within the locker room.
These extensions were smart from the Panthers. A sign that the players still believe in the current regime.