5 free agents the Carolina Panthers should consider after Week 1 loss
By Dean Jones
Which free agents should the Carolina Panthers consider following the team’s dramatic loss against the Cleveland Browns to kick off their 2022 season?
It was a tale of two halves for the Carolina Panthers in their narrow Week 1 defeat to the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium. A dismal start saw them no fewer than 10 points down at the break, but a sensational comeback saw them lead late on before a last-gasp field goal denied quarterback Baker Mayfield bragging rights against his former team.
Had it not been for two controversial officiating calls at critical moments, things might have been different. But the Panthers took too long to get going and there were obvious chemistry issues on offense, which was always a concern with Mayfield splitting reps throughout camp.
Perhaps most disappointing was Carolina’s defensive front. Generating consistent pressure was an issue and giving up 217 rushing yards from 39 carries was not what the doctor ordered, either.
Having assessed the damage from another opening day defeat, here are five free agents the Panthers should consider post-Week 1.
Free-Agent No. 1
Carolina Panthers should consider Nick Martin
Although the Carolina Panthers have a strong starting unit on the offensive line, depth is a concern. Pat Elflein didn’t exactly cover himself in glory during their regular-season opener, so it might be worth those in power looking at viable options lower down the pecking order.
Nick Martin didn’t see much of the field in 2021. But the former second-round pick has 79 career games under his belt and can drop in at a moment’s notice anywhere on the interior.
Injuries are bound to happen at some stage. Only time will tell as to whether the Panthers have enough in the way of alternative possibilities currently.