5 key former Panthers players still looking for new homes in 2022
By Dean Jones
Morgan Fox – Carolina Panthers DL
The Carolina Panthers took the tough decision to release Morgan Fox as part of a cost-cutting measure before free agency. This was a little harsh on the defensive lineman, who was a disruptive force early in the campaign after joining from the Los Angeles Rams – even if things did tail off slightly down the stretch.
Fox might feel a little hard done by, which is fine. But the Panthers have high hopes that Yetur Gross-Matos can enjoy a true breakout campaign in 2022 after flashing promise from the edge or as a three-technique on the interior.
It would be a surprise if the Panthers didn’t add to their defensive front before training camp. They did sign Matt Ioannidis following his release by the Washington Commanders, but a stable presence in run support would also be beneficial either from free agency or during the 2022 NFL Draft.
As for Fox, he surprisingly remains on the scrap heap despite getting a head start on the whole process. The player has enough in his locker to carve out a role for himself somewhere and he also has enough versatility to become a useful depth chart piece if starting options don’t arrive initially.
Fox was a likable guy – a sharp dresser with a mean streak that Panthers fans instantly gravitated towards. However, this is a business and Carolina felt like removing Fox from the equation was best for the team.