4 free agent do-overs for the Carolina Panthers during 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should’ve kept Haason Reddick
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers look short of reliable pass-rushing options heading into the 2022 season. This is largely down to the fact they let Haason Reddick leave in free agency for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Reddick was a revelation after joining the Panthers, becoming a stout force opposite Brian Burns on the edge. This resulted in 11 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and 33 pressures, which made things difficult for Carolina to keep him around.
The former Temple star was expected to command major money in free agency after two outstanding seasons. Reddick got paid handsomely by the Eagles, but it wasn’t earth-shattering by any stretch.
His three-year, $45 million deal with a $13.71 million signing bonus and $30 million guaranteed was something the Panthers could have afforded.
Whether the Deshaun Watson chase prevented them from giving out this financial commitment in the event they got lucky is unclear. But with a $10 million combined cap hit over the first two years, it was certainly affordable.
Carolina is going to miss Reddick an untold amount if Yetur Gross-Matos or Marquis Haynes cannot step up. This could also have adverse implications on Brian Burns along the way.
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