4 high-risk free agents the Panthers could gamble on before 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could sign Everson Griffen
Generating pressure is an area where the Carolina Panthers have some questions heading into the 2022 season. Haason Reddick is no longer around, so unless the likes of Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes step up their respective contributions, things will be difficult for Phil Snow’s unit.
Hopefully, the two players can benefit from increased reps. The onus will also be on Brian Burns during a critical Year 4 for the defensive end.
Carolina is clearly looking for viable reinforcements if Carlos Dunlap’s visit before their mandatory minicamp was any indication. But it might be worth putting a call in Everson Griffen’s direction to see where his head is at about a potential return in 2022.
Griffen is a four-time Pro Bowler who can still create matchup problems despite his advancing years. The USC product is also extremely efficient against the run, which is a problem the Panthers had at times down the stretch.
The player turned out nine times for the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 en route to five sacks. An incident at Griffen’s home midway through the campaign was serious and the defensive end wasn’t seen again as part of measures to preserve his mental health.
Pro Football Talk recently revealed that Griffen plans on playing in 2022 if another offer comes along. It’s a risk, but there are far worse options out there.