4 early free agents the Carolina Panthers should monitor in 2023
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should monitor Dalvin Tomlinson
Considering the impressive impact made by Matt Ioannidis since his arrival in 2022 free agency, the Carolina Panthers should at least discuss the possibility of an extended stay. But with his former college coaches Matt Rhule and Phil Snow no longer part of the team’s plans, the defensive tackle could also opt for a change of scenery after a strong campaign.
If this scenario comes to fruition, then the Panthers must find an adequate starter to put alongside Derrick Brown, who has rapidly emerged as one of the NFL’s best young interior defensive linemen. Although going down the college route would be cheaper, a veteran presence has assisted enormously and is something Carolina should discuss, at the very least.
Dalvin Tomlinson is set to hit the free-agent market again next spring. The imposing figure is currently working his way back from injury, but his performance levels for the red-hot Minnesota Vikings in 2022 leave many reasons to be encouraged.
Tomlinson has always been a game-wrecker stemming from his time in college. However, this might not be the most viable financial option available and Minnesota is likely going to fight hard in pursuit of keeping the player around.
Pairing Tomlinson with Brown if Ioannidis cannot be extended is a tempting proposition. Whether they have the resources to pull this off is another matter.