3 veterans the Carolina Panthers could sign with open roster spot

Which veterans could the Carolina Panthers potentially target with an open roster spot following Rashaan Melvin’s retirement?

The Carolina Panthers now have an open roster spot after Rashaan Melvin opted to retire before Day 1 of the team’s training camp. The veteran cornerback was expected to be a depth chart piece at best, so his loss is unlikely to be sorely felt when one looks at other options within the secondary.

General manager Scott Fitterer is always looking at ways to improve the roster. The Panthers have once again been active in free agency, the draft, and the trade market, which has left another positive mark providing these new recruits all make an immediate impression.

There are still one or two areas that could use reinforcements. And considering the need for Carolina to progress significantly in 2022, adding another experienced presence with proven credentials might be the smart way to go.

With this in mind, here are three free-agent veterans the Panthers could target to fill their open roster spot.

Veteran No. 1

Carolina Panthers could sign Carlos Dunlap

This ship might be sailing quickly for the Carolina Panthers.

After Carlos Dunlap left without a deal during the team’s mandatory minicamp and a call was made by Scott Fitterer before training camp, the chance to scoop up the veteran pass-rusher could be slipping away after a report surfaced about a visit to the Kansas City Chiefs.

If everything goes well for Dunlap in Kansas City, he’ll likely sign and get a legitimate chance to contend. This would be a blow to the Panthers given their need for extra help along the defensive front after Haason Reddick left in free agency.

You snooze, you lose.