Who were the best free-agent signings made by the Carolina Panthers during a busy offseason period for the organization in 2022?
It was obvious that big changes were coming within the Carolina Panthers this offseason after losing 12 of their last 14 games in 2021. Matt Rhule kept his job and still has the confidence of team owner David Tepper, but that might not be the case this time next year if things don’t start improving quickly once competitive games get underway.
That’s why this recruitment period was immensely important for the Panthers. Something they coped with relatively well to acquire improved depth and bolster problem positions, leaving plenty of spare cash behind for another bold move or two should an opportunity present itself.
The new recruits got a chance to acclimatize themselves in Carolina during early offseason workouts. Things will become more intense during their upcoming training camp in Spartanburg, which should tell us plenty about what the Panthers can accomplish in the coming months.
With that being said, we ranked the six best free-agent signings made by the Panthers in 2022 free agency.
Player No. 6
Matt Ioannidis – Carolina Panthers DT
- One year, $9.5 million deal ($5.8 million guaranteed)
After losing DaQuan Jones to the Buffalo Bills in free agency, the Carolina Panthers needed to find a partner on the defensive line interior for Derrick Brown as a matter of urgency. As luck would have it, a former Matt Rhule loyalist from their time together at Temple was released by the Washington Commanders at just the right time.
Matt Ioannidis was deemed surplus to requirements by Ron Rivera and swiftly penned a deal with the Panthers. The former fifth-round selection’s production has dipped over the last two seasons, but he’s proven more than capable of generating pressure in the past and has the skills to compliment Brown extremely well.
Perhaps linking up with his old college coaches will get Ioannnidis back to the form of old. A scenario that the Panthers are hoping will come to fruition at the earliest possible opportunity.