4 free agent do-overs for the Carolina Panthers during 2022
By Dean Jones
Which decisions would the Carolina Panthers like to go back and examine during a hugely busy free agency period for the organization in 2022?
Considering how perilous things were for the Carolina Panthers this offseason after a third-straight campaign with just five wins, those in power did a good job of bringing the right pieces on board. Players were signed to strengthen problem positions and there remains a significant amount of salary-cap space available for more arrivals should the right opportunities come along.
This was a collective effort between Scott Fitterer, Samir Suleiman, and Matt Rhule. The presence of Dan Morgan within the Panthers‘ front office is another massive influence in the decision-making process that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Whether this translates to a competitive environment remains undetermined. But there are some decisions made that might come back to haunt Carolina if things don’t progress according to plan.
On this topic, we picked out four free agent do-overs for the Panthers during 2022.
Do-Over No. 1
Carolina Panthers should have given Ian Thomas a ‘prove-it’ deal
Re-signing Ian Thomas was a surprise considering his lack of involvement in the passing game. But the Carolina Panthers clearly felt more could be on the way following the appointment of Ben McAdoo as the team’s new offensive coordinator.
Thomas’ blocking came on a huge amount in 2021, but the length of contract and money involved were big talking points among fans and something that represents a risk if the former fourth-round pick out of Indiana cannot become influential.
Perhaps offering Thomas a one-year, prove-it deal made more sense. Whether the tight end would have accepted this offer if something better came along is another matter.