4 impending Panthers free agents who haven’t helped themselves in 2022
By Dean Jones
Myles Hartsfield – Carolina Panthers DB
Given how injuries have played a significant role within the Carolina Panthers secondary this season, the presence of Myles Hartsfield remains useful. But with the former Ole Miss star out of contract in 2023, his long-term future remains up in the air until further notice.
Hartsfield emerged quickly from undrafted free-agent obscurity onto the defensive rotation. There were moments of struggle, which wasn’t unexpected, but the Panthers must have been pleased with his adaptability and willingness to contribute no matter the role.
It’s been solid if not spectacular from Hartsfield this season. His 47 tackles represent a career-high, but there are still deficiencies in coverage with the player giving up 68.2 percent of targets and a 114.5 passer rating – both of which are way too high.
The versatile defensive back might not ever become a full-time starter due to these limitations. Something that won’t go unnoticed by Steve Wilks, who worked closely with Hartsfield prior to his promotion when he agreed to become Carolina’s secondary coach before the campaign.
Of all the players listed, Hartsfield has the best chance of earning an extension. But how the player performs over the final five games will likely determine his fate one way or another.