4 free agent do-overs for the Carolina Panthers during 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should’ve invested more in the LB spot
Letting Jermaine Carter walk in free agency was probably a given considering his inconsistent production in 2021. This left another gaping hole at the middle linebacker position for the third straight offseason since legendary figure Luke Kuechly hung up his cleats.
This has been a major complication for the Panthers. One they didn’t really prioritize in free agency despite a couple of veteran pieces coming on board.
Damien Wilson and Cory Littleton were signed on the cheap and could provide an upgrade. Although there is just no telling for sure given how they performed during the previous campaign.
Wilson was also the subject of a concerning offseason arrest following an altercation with his ex-girlfriend. Depending on what transpires regarding charges, there’s a chance he doesn’t play for the Panthers at all.
If this positional group holds Carolina back once again, then the front office will be criticized for not investing heavily in finding Kuechly’s long-term successor. They did draft Brandon Smith as a potential option down the line, but he remains raw and it might take some time before his exceptional athletic attributes are harnessed correctly.