Sean Chandler – Carolina Panthers S
Perhaps one of the most surprising moves was Sean Chandler making the team. The safety is a Matt Rhule loyalist from their time together at Temple and Kenny Robinson getting ejected in consecutive days during joint practices with the New England Patriots was enough for the primary decision-makers to cut their losses entirely.
Chandler was a liability in coverage last season, giving up a perfect passer rating of 158.3 when targeted. But his ability as a special teamer gave him another opportunity when it’s all said and done.
The same can be said of Sam Franklin, who regressed in 2021 on the defensive rotation but can help when the time comes for special teams to shine. Carolina can also feel confident about using Myles Hartsfield on the backend given his versatility, so there will be a nervous wait for both before their status is officially sealed one way or another.
Carolina’s secondary is expected to be a significant strength in 2022. This area of the field is loaded with exciting young talent and they are now led by one of the best defensive backs coaches in the business, Steve Wilks.
This could mean one more safety is let go if the Panthers find the right guy to improve areas such as their pass-rush. If this scenario comes to fruition, then it will likely be either Chandler or Franklin.