6 Carolina Panthers players who won’t be around after the 2022 season
By Dean Jones
Matt Ioannidis – Carolina Panthers DT
It’s been a revolving door next to Derrick Brown at the defensive tackle position over the last three years. Kawann Short and DaQuan Jones came and went, with the Carolina Panthers now banking on Matt Ioannidis to make a lasting contribution after he was snapped up by his former college coach this offseason.
The former Temple star has some proven production at the next level but was deemed surplus to requirements by the Washington Commanders, who are loaded with first-round selections across their defensive front. This represents a good fit for Ioannidis within a system he knows well, so it’ll be interesting to see whether he can galvanize his career after starting just six times over the last two seasons.
Brown will likely take up plenty of attention from opposing protection schemes, which has been the case throughout his time in the league so far. This should provide Ioannidis with room to work, so making the most of it will be crucial if he wants his time in Carolina to last more than one season.
Next year’s draft class is loaded with elite defensive tackle talent. The Panthers are also expecting Daviyon Nixon and Phil Hoskins to progress in Year 2 with the organization.
Ioannidis has to leave no doubt about his importance long-term. Whether he can accomplish this or not is another matter.