5 potential roster regrets for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which decisions made by the Carolina Panthers this offseason could become roster regrets when it’s all said and done in 2022?
It was a tough stage of planning for the Carolina Panthers this summer. The coaching staff wanted more competition for places in camp and the preseason, which made for some complex decisions when the time came to finalize their 53-man roster for the 2022 season.
Some will pay off, others won’t.
That’s all part of the business. But considering what’s at stake for the Panthers in the coming months, it’s imperative that those in power hit on the large majority to stand any chance of progression.
That will be easier said than done. Carolina has some huge obstacles to overcome and their schedule isn’t the easiest to further complicate matters if things begin poorly.
Only time will tell. But here are some roster regrets the Panthers could end up having in 2022.
Roster Regret No. 1
Carolina Panthers released Brandon Zylstra
The Carolina Panthers have plenty of talent within their wide receiver room. Their decision to secure the services of Laviska Shenault Jr. via trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars meant Brandon Zylstra was deemed surplus to requirements despite a decent offseason.
Zylstra was a rare dependable presence with limited targets in 2021. His contribution to special teams was also something that played a role in the player’s overall influence throughout the campaign.
Hopefully, this won’t be that great of a loss. But much will depend on whether players like Robbie Anderson, Shi Smith, Terrace Marshall Jr., and Shenault step up their respective efforts.