5 potential roster regrets for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers didn’t strengthen the TE position
Greg Olsen’s supreme consistency and exceptional leadership is something the Carolina Panthers have found difficult to replace. The tight end position hasn’t been the same since those in power opted to let the three-time Pro Bowler leave for the Seattle Seahawks in free agency and they did nothing to strengthen this area of the field ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Instead of letting Ian Thomas depart, the Panthers handed him a three-year extension despite the Indiana product offering very little in the passing game since his rookie season in 2018. A strange move to many, but offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo feels like he can be the guy that unlocks his true potential.
If Thomas cannot meet expectations, then Tommy Tremble is next in line. The former third-round pick flashes offensive qualities as a rookie, but there is a significant amount of work ahead in terms of getting open and becoming a reliable weapon across the middle for quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Giovanni Ricci and Stephen Sullivan also made the team after impressing throughout the preparation period. However, this could be a position that holds the Panthers back when it’s all said and done.
Olsen was a true difference-maker and will go down in Carolina folklore. Thomas and Tremble have promise, but the margin for error is incredibly slim with so much on the line in 2022.