4 underrated contributors for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Marquis Haynes Sr. – Carolina Panthers DE/OLB
The Carolina Panthers found life difficult to find a legitimate pass-rushing threat opposite Brian Burns in 2022. Letting Haason Reddick walk in free agency was among the worst errors in recent history for the franchise, so this is sure to be a position of need either in free agency or when the 2023 NFL Draft rolls around.
Yetur Gross-Matos just didn’t live up to expectations. But in Marquis Haynes‘ case, he once again flashed as a key rotational piece that probably deserved more reps all things considered.
Haynes did more with less for the third-straight season. Just why the Panthers refuse to put him in a prominent starting berth is baffling, especially when one considers how Gross-Matos struggled en route to just 2.5 sacks.
In just 41 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, Haynes attained five sacks, 16 pressures, 13 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, four passes defended, and a defensive touchdown. These encouraging statistics further highlight the need for Carolina to involve the player more frequently.
Much will depend on the reinforcements Carolina acquires this offseason. But it would be a huge shock if Haynes didn’t surpass Gross-Matos on the depth chart heading into 2023.