6 Carolina Panthers players outperforming their pay grade in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players are outperforming their pay grade over the first seven games of a rollercoaster 2022 season?
Although the Carolina Panthers are sitting at 2-5 after a rocky opening to the season, they still have some hope. Just one game separates Steve Wilks’ men from the NFC South lead given how weak the division is, which is all the motivation they should need heading into a crucial run of fixtures.
What comes next is undecided and uncertain in equal measure. Carolina has the talent to potentially pull off a few more wins, but there is also a real possibility things continue in a similar fashion given the strength of teams upcoming on the schedule.
Matt Rhule, Robbie Anderson, and Christian McCaffrey are no longer around after the head coach was fired and the two primary offensive weapons were traded to pastures new. It’s therefore vital for those remaining on the roster to give maximum effort and make the most of extended opportunities as Wilks looks to win the job long-term.
However, things haven’t been all bad. On this topic, we picked out six Panthers players who are outperforming their pay grade in 2022.
Player No. 1
Matt Ioannidis – Carolina Panthers DT
- 2022 cap number: $2.08 million
For all Matt Rhule’s failures when it came to picking his former college players over those more capable, the signing of Matt Ioannidis was a welcome addition to the Carolina Panthers. The defensive tackle’s fitted in seamlessly alongside Derrick Brown, forming a cohesive tandem with skills that complement each other extremely well.
Ioannidis is enjoying a new lease of life after becoming an afterthought on the Washington Commanders. And with a cap hit of just $2.08 million in 2022, his presence is money well spent.