5 free agents that could let the Panthers draft best player available in 2022

Carolina Panthers could sign Duane Brown

As stated previously, finding a long-term left tackle should arguably be priority No. 1 for the Carolina Panthers during the 2022 NFL Draft. There is a prime position to pick one of the top three prospects unless Charles Cross, Ikem Ekwonu, and Evan Neal are all gone in the first five picks, which does appear unlikely considering how many stud edge rushers are also generating interest.

It’s a fascinating riddle that nobody knows the answer to right now. But one suspects that it would be incredibly difficult for Carolina to look at alternatives if any of the aforementioned players make it down to No. 6.

There is the quarterback conundrum to consider, obviously. That’s why signing Duane Brown cannot be ruled out and there has been some interest from the Panthers regarding the veteran earlier in free agency.

Brown gave up eight sacks for the Seattle Seahawks in 2021 but played well enough to earn another Pro Bowl selection. He is a 15-year pro that will be 37 years old by the time things start again next season and it’s not like Carolina has had much luck when it comes to veteran blindside protectors in recent years.

Of all the options on this list, signing Brown appears the most unlikely, at least before the draft. This has nothing to do with production, but it would dictate the Panthers showing their hand shortly before the all-important process.