5 major observations from Carolina Panthers final roster cuts in 2022

Carolina Panthers have more moves to make

Although the Carolina Panthers got their roster down to 53 players just before the deadline, there are still moves to be made before Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns comes around. General manager Scott Fitterer is renowned for being aggressive as part of his team-building process, so it would be a shock if reinforcements weren’t acquired at problem positions very shortly.

The Panthers need a kicker after Zane Gonzalez was put on season-ending injured/reserve. A body blow for the organization given how well the former seventh-round pick performed in 2021.

Another spot could be freed-up if quarterback Sam Darnold goes on short-term injured/reserve with a high ankle sprain suffered during the team’s final preseason outing. The No. 3 overall selection in 2018 is expected to be out for a minimum of four weeks, so the Panthers could use this to acquire someone else and not let a current roster member go.

Of course, the waiver wire is full of intriguing players. So the prospect of somebody that originally made the team being released is realistic.

It’s the harshest part of the business. But the Panthers aren’t in a position to be sentimental given how much is on the line next season.

The next couple of days will be telling. However, there is a lot to like about the improvements made by Carolina overall, and hopefully, this can translate into improved fortunes when it counts.