4 free agents the Carolina Panthers could sign before the 2022 draft
By Dean Jones
Which free agents could the Carolina Panthers potentially acquire in pursuit of taking the best player available during the 2022 NFL Draft?
It’s been easy to criticize the Carolina Panthers since Matt Rhule took over from Ron Rivera as head coach and the man that gets the final say on personnel decisions. A series of flawed moves at key positions coupled with a clear lack of ability to adjust during games hasn’t exactly brought the biggest causes for optimism, so there is now some glaring pressure on the former Baylor man heading into a crucial Year 3 of his tenure.
The Panthers have acquired some nice pieces this offseason and find themselves with the league’s highest spare salary-cap figure thanks to contract restructures and early releases. Obviously, the 2022 draft class has to be signed and money is needed for in-season moves, but there might be some cash left over to acquire some prominent free agents still left on the market.
Carolina only has one selection in the top-100 right now. Unless those in power trade down from No. 6 or make a move up into the third round, then finding immediate help in free agency will be an absolute necessity despite Scott Fitterer’s reputation for finding diamonds in the rough.
Things look quite promising for the Panthers thanks to some impressive signings and the NFC South looking weaker despite Tom Brady going back on his initial retirement decision. However, it’s essential those in power get the next stage of their offseason absolutely spot on.
With this in mind, here are four free agents the Panthers could target before the draft.