5 plug-and-play free agents the Panthers should consider in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could sign Riley Reiff
General manager Scott Fitterer placed a strong emphasis on building a competitive roster around a promising young quarterback on a rookie deal during his media presser on Friday. This is something he was part of during his successful stint as an influential front office figure with the Seattle Seahawks and could lead the Carolina Panthers to someone like Malik Willis, Matt Corral, or Kenny Pickett at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Of course, passing on an Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu if they drop out of the top five would be a tough sell. Especially considering how needy the Panthers are for a franchise left tackle.
This is something Carolina hasn’t had since the days of Jordan Gross. Bit if they do end up taking a quarterback then it would be wise to address this with a capable veteran in free agency.
Riley Reiff might just fit the bill. The former first-round pick out of Iowa gave up four sacks and conceded one penalty from 711 snaps with the AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals in 2021, so he represents a good option that might not cost the earth.
Although Reiff turned out at the right tackle spot for the Bengals, he manned the blindside for the Minnesota Vikings and conceded just one sack from more than 1,000 snaps in 2020 before the team went with first-round pick Christian Darrisaw, instead.
Reiff could plug the hole next season, leaving the Panthers free to select a prospect they hope can become the answer under center.