5 key former Panthers players still looking for new homes in 2022
By Dean Jones
Matt Paradis – Former Carolina Panthers C
Much was expected of Matt Paradis when he joined the Carolina Panthers. But a distinct lack of talent around him on the offensive line interior and some injury problems down the stretch meant their big-money investment didn’t go according to plan.
Paradis came into the organization following an impressive spell with the Denver Broncos. He wasn’t able to replicate this production in Carolina and tearing his ACL in Week 9 against the New England Patriots was arguably the final nail in his coffin.
The Panthers weren’t going to wait around for Paradis to potentially recover now that he is out of contract. They still have Pat Elflein as a depth piece and brought in Bradley Bozeman from the Baltimore Ravens, who could be one of the real free-agent steals when it’s all said and done.
As for Paradis, he’ll focus on recovery before anything else. Once he gets back to full fitness, then it could see the center get an offer from a team looking for immediate assistance during the season.
While Paradis waits for such an offer, he will still be paid handsomely by the Panthers. A recent contract restructure means Carolina will pay the Boise State product over $8 million and a little more than $4 million in 2023.
Not ideal, obviously, But it was a sacrifice the Panthers had to make at the time given how finances were at a premium across the league.