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

Cam Erving – Carolina Panthers OT

The change in direction regarding free-agent recruitment stems largely from the panic that resulted in the Carolin Panthers signing Cam Erving and Pat Elflein within hours of the 2021 legal tampering period beginning. The veteran offensive linemen hadn’t exactly set the NFL world on fire, so to give both lucrative contracts with no real outs was bizarre at the time and even more so right now.

Erving came in with a lot of big talk about potentially becoming the franchise left tackle Carolina has been seeking since Jordan Gross retired. But yet more inconsistent production, some injury problems, and a distinct lack of accountability leave the Panthers with no option other than to explore alternatives this offseason.

There remains intense speculation that the Panthers are about to go after another veteran with more proven capabilities in free agency. The franchise can also look towards the NFL Draft for an elite prospect such as Charles Cross if they choose.

Cutting Erving comes with a $4.5 million dead-cap figure, which means he might be utilized as a backup before the Panthers get rid entirely next year. Another major personnel move blew up in their faces and they will be counting the cost for a while yet.

Things are getting better, thankfully. But it might be some time before all the deadwood is removed from previous poor decisions.