5 major observations from Day 2 of Panthers 2022 mandatory minicamp

Carolina Panthers say nothing imminent on Carlos Dunlap

For all the talk about Baker Mayfield arriving via trade, the visit of defensive end Carlos Dunlap went relatively overlooked in the grand scheme of things. The prolific veteran spent two days with the Carolina Panthers earlier this week for medical tests and discussions about a potential deal, but nothing concrete materialized and the Pro Bowler headed off without a formal contract on the table.

This was a mild blow to the Panthers, who could use some assistance coming off the edge after deciding to let Haason Reddick leave in free agency for the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s encouraging to see the Panthers looking to bolster this crucial area of the field and although head coach Matt Rhule stated that “nothing was imminent” regarding Dunlap joining the ranks, it was not dismissed entirely.

Adding Dunlap to a talented young group will do wonders both on and off the field. Much will obviously depend on the former first-round pick out of Florida’s thoughts on the coaching staff and his potential status on the depth chart, but as Rhule stated, this was just the first step.

As is seemingly the case with the quarterback position, the Panthers will look to get any new arrival into the building before training camp. This provides enough time to integrate themselves within the locker room and pick up the system way ahead of Week 1.

Whether Carolina’s situation is something that appealed to Dunlap at this stage of his career is another matter.