5 plug-and-play free agents the Panthers should consider in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which cheap free agents could the Carolina Panthers potentially acquire on the cheap before the all-important 2022 NFL Draft?
Free agency has become something of an afterthought across the NFL this week thanks to yet another bombshell trade and some important college pro days happening up and down the country. The Carolina Panthers have been prominent figures as evaluations continue on the top quarterbacks, which is clearly an avenue general manager Scott Fitterer wants to pursue based on comments made during his Friday press availability.
Carolina is ranked No. 1 in salary-cap space currently. Although some money needs to be saved for in-season moves and signing the team’s latest batch of college recruits before competitive action begins.
However, the Panthers do have some leeway to make a couple of signings if the right opportunity comes along. The front office has done a nice job of finding the correct pieces at problem positions so far, even if more will be needed ahead of a pivotal Year 3 under Matt Rhule’s leadership.
With this in mind, here are five free agents the Panthers could target before the 2022 NFL Draft.
Player No. 1
Carolina Panthers could re-sign Stephon Gilmore
Scott Fitterer claimed there have been discussions with All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore about a potential return to the Carolina Panthers. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year is still weighing up his options, with other teams also reportedly showing interest in a player who did show he had something left after returning from a torn quad in 2021.
Gilmore’s time with the Panthers may have been brief following his trade from the New England Patriots. The team also re-signed Donte Jackson, so it was always unlikely both would come back even if nothing has been ruled out yet.
Adding Gilmore to a cornerback unit that will also see Jaycee Horn returning to full health in 2022 would give the Panthers a stud quartet. However, it would still be a significant surprise at this juncture.