5 former Panthers players who will thrive on new teams in 2022
By Dean Jones
DaQuan Jones – Former Carolina Panthers DT
It didn’t take long for DaQuan Jones to find a new home after he hit the free-agent market. The defensive tackle was quickly coveted by the Buffalo Bills and agreed to become the latest former Carolina Panthers player to wind up working for the team’s ex-defensive coordinator Sean McDermott as they look to get themselves over the hump in 2022.
Jones signed a one-year deal with the Panthers last offseason and proved to be a tremendous addition. He formed a productive partnership with Derrick Brown on the defensive line interior, giving the Auburn product a stable veteran presence that made a significant impact on and off the field.
This will also be highly beneficial for the Bills, who looked primed for another Super Bowl run next season. If Jones can replicate his 2021 form in Buffalo, then it could make all the difference for a defense that does possess some exciting talent.
Just how the Panthers are going to fill the void remains to be seen. Carolina signed Matt Ioannidis after his release from the Washington Commanders and much is also expected of fifth-round pick Daviyon Nixon after he flashed real promise during his rookie campaign.
That does not detract from how much Jones will be missed. But the Panthers’ loss is most definitely Buffalo’s game in this situation.