4 players the Carolina Panthers were smart to stay away from in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers were smart to avoid Evan Engram
Another area that the Carolina Panthers could have done with bolstering this offseason is tight end. Greg Olsen’s departure in 2020 has been sorely felt by the organization and Ian Thomas’ lack of involvement over the last two years meant the former fourth-round pick was a prime candidate to be moved on when his contract expired this spring.
As it turned out, the Panthers decided to hand Thomas a surprising three-year extension with a realistic out after one season. This was done under the recommendation of new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, who feels he can maximize the Indiana product’s skill set and also get some improved level of performance in the passing game from second-year-pro Tommy Tremble for good measure.
There might have been a temptation for McAdoo to go back to a player that he’d worked with previously on the New York Giants. Evan Engram’s talent is undeniable when healthy, but his lack of dependability to remain on the field for a consistent period of time meant the former first-round pick was looking for alternative employment when his contract came to an end.
Carolina deserves credit for judging the tight-end market flawlessly. Samir Suleiman predicted that some mammoth contracts would be in the offing, making their extension with Thomas look like chump change in comparison.
Engram signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A high price considering for a player that gained just 408 receiving yards in 2021.