4 Carolina Panthers players being grossly overpaid in 2022

Cam Erving – Carolina Panthers OL

• $6.51 million cap number in 2022

Much like the situation with Pat Elflein, the Carolina Panthers made signing Cam Erving a major priority during the legal tampering period last year. A two-year deal was agreed upon between the organization and the lineman’s representatives, which was a major gamble that backfired in a big way.

Erving’s flattered to deceive throughout his NFL career, even if he does have a Super Bowl ring from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. If this was his final shot at proving beyond all doubt that he could become a productive left tackle, it was a challenge that failed to muster any improved level of performance.

The former first-round selection became a constant source of frustration and was often highly defensive when speaking in front of the media. Thankfully for the Panthers, those in power also saw this and bolstered their offensive line options accordingly.

Drafting Ikem Ekwonu at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft spells the end for Erving as a blindside starter. The veteran might hold out hope of manning the left guard position if given the chance, but it’s likely that he will be a very expensive backup if Carolina keeps him around.

Erving will make $6.51 million in 2023 and with just $2 million saved on the cap if Carolina cuts their losses entirely, the primary decision-makers might decide to ride it out with the player much further down the depth chart.