4 free agents the Panthers must consider after Marquis Haynes injury

Carolina Panthers should consider Jason Pierre-Paul

This would arguably be the best possible signing if Marquis Haynes was forced to miss time. Jason Pierre-Paul has the size and explosiveness to cause significant problems despite his advancing years, which could be especially useful as a short-term option with plenty at stake for the Carolina Panthers next season.

Pierre-Paul came into the league with a big reputation and has lived up to it more often than not. Had injuries not struck at key moments throughout his career, there’s just no telling how many sacks the South Florida product would have acquired by now.

The edge defender only accumulated 2.5 sacks from 12 games with the Bucs in 2021. Pierre-Paul’s explosiveness might not be at the level that took the league by storm in 2011 en route to an All-Pro selection in his second year, but there could be life in the veteran providing Carolina utilizes him the right way.

Whether this is something that would interest Pierre-Paul is the big question. The No. 15 overall selection in 2010 has been on a contending team over the last two seasons, so biding his time in the hope another comes calling might be the better option rather than joining Matt Rhule.

Only time will tell which way the Panthers go. But in all honesty, this is a complication they could have avoided by signing Carlos Dunlap when he came in for a visit during the team’s mandatory minicamp.