5 shocking final cuts the Carolina Panthers could make in 2022
By Dean Jones
What shocking cuts could the Carolina Panthers make as those in power get set to finalize their 53-man roster for the 2022 season?
There is nothing more any Carolina Panthers player can do about their fate. The team’s last preseason game – a convincing win against the Buffalo Bills – is in the books and the primary decision-makers within the organization now have the task of finalizing their 53-man roster ahead of the 2022 season.
It’s been a fascinating preparation period for the Panthers. The quarterback competition between Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold took center stage, but some individuals lower down the pecking order did their chances the world of good in camp and during warmup games.
While most starting positions appear to be locked up, there could be a few surprises across the depth chart based on what we’ve seen during the offseason. Decisions that could have lingering effects on Carolina’s chances of genuine progression in 2022.
With this in mind, here are five shocking final cuts the Panthers could make in 2022.
Player No. 1
Brandon Zylstra – Carolina Panthers WR
The wide receiver room is a competitive place. One could make a case for the Carolina Panthers taking through seven onto the roster given how well they’ve done this summer, but there could be an unlucky odd man out when push comes to shove in the coming days.
That man might be Brandon Zylstra. The former CFL standout is a tremendous special teams performer and boasts proven reliability in the passing game, which was bolstered by some memorable highlights during camp that won’t have gone unnoticed.
Cutting Zylstra would be a moderate shock. But the likes of Shi Smith, Terrace Marshall Jr., and Rashard Higgins have generated more momentum this offseason.