Matt Ioannidis – Carolina Panthers DT
Another year, another defensive tackle partner for Derrick Brown.
After DaQuan Jones departed in free agency for the Buffalo Bills, the Carolina Panthers were once again forced to explore other options and Matt Rhule turned to one of his former college players at Temple in pursuit of filling the void and hopefully more in 2022.
Matt Ioannidis was deemed surplus to requirements and released by the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason. Carolina swooped him up quickly and the versatile lineman could be a huge factor providing his partnership with Brown blossoms instantly.
Ioannidis has been pretty anonymous over the last two seasons. But he does have a previous track record of coming up with the goods in a competitive NFL setting.
This includes getting after the quarterback with ease and his presence against the run is also something that compliments what Brown brings to the table.
There is a chance Ioannidis is past the peak of his powers. Even though it would be a major surprise to see him fall flat on his face reuniting with Rhule and defensive coordinator Phil Snow.
It’s also an audition of sorts for Ioannidis, who penned a one-year deal and is young enough to still command a lucrative, long-term extension if the numbers are there next season.