5 free agents the Panthers should sign for added camp competition in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could sign Danny Trevathan
The Carolina Panthers are on their third fresh start at the middle linebacker position in as many offseasons. Something that’s only heightened just how important Luke Kuechly became and how much the future Pro Football Hall of Famer is missed following his shock retirement in 2019 due to health reasons.
Damien Wilson looks set to take over the mantle next season depending on what comes next following a concerning offseason arrest. The Panthers also moved up to acquire Brandon Smith at No. 120 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he has a lot of work ahead in pursuit of putting his exceptional physical attributes to good use.
Adding another option might be something Carolina ends up doing before camp to increase the sense of urgency if nothing else. Danny Trevathan remains on the market and providing there are no further complications from a knee problem that ended his 2021 campaign early, he could offer something in the short-term.
The former sixth-round pick has gone over 100 tackles no fewer than four times throughout his career. Trevathan has the instincts needed to thrive against the run and although there are some struggles in coverage on occasions, the Panthers have Cory Littleton to fill in during obvious passing downs to compensate for this.
Carolina might decide to stand pat with what they have before making another move. But if those in power decide to bring in another linebacker before camp, then Trevathan should be considered.