Stephen Sullivan – Carolina Panthers TE
With the Carolina Panthers so thin at tight end, this was an opportunity for Stephen Sullivan to really stamp his mark on the position. The former LSU Tiger failed to accomplish this feat at the New England Patriots, fumbling the ball after a Matt Corral pass to stall a promising drive.
Tight End may be one of the positions the Panthers take fewer players than a season ago to accommodate a third quarterback. Carolina had five on the roster in 2021 at one stage with Dan Arnold, Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Colin Thompson, and Giovanni Ricci, who occupied the full-back role more often than not.
If the Panthers decide to reduce this, Thomas and Tremble would be roster locks. Ricci would also more than likely make the roster given his versatility and impressive offseason.
This leaves one spot between Thompson, Sullivan, and the rookie duo of Jared Scott and Josh Babicz. Although one cannot dismiss the possibility of Carolina bringing in another free agent to provide immediate assistance if those in power feel like it will benefit the franchise in 2022.
Thompson being a Temple guy would have to be the favorite to make the roster, leaving Sullivan potentially looking at another season on the practice squad. Something that looks entirely possible after the player failed to maximize the chance.