5 Panthers players who should be worried after free-agent signings

Pat Elflein – Carolina Panthers C

There doesn’t appear much doubt that Pat Elflein will be on the roster in 2022. The Carolina Panthers recently restructured his contract to free up funds in the short-term, meaning the former third-round pick out of Ohio State will at least get the opportunity to fight for a starting spot next season.

However, whether he can accomplish such a feat is another matter entirely. The Panthers brought in Bradley Bozeman on a bargain free-agent deal from the Baltimore Ravens, who played the center position extremely well for the AFC North team in 2021 and this would leave Elflein on the outside looking in when it’s all said and done.

Carolina does have the option of switching Bozeman to one of the guard spots. But considering the presence of newly acquired Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen, things might not be too stable regarding Elflein’s ambition to get meaningful reps when competitive action resumes once again.

Elflein’s production did improve once he was installed into the position he thrived in college. Matt Paradis won’t be coming back after his contract expired, so this would be a solid backup option in the event he doesn’t beat out one of the new arrivals.

Potential upgrades always happen annually across the league. In Elflein’s case, it’s now time to stand and fight for a starting place that is no longer guaranteed.