3 key departures the Carolina Panthers missed most in 2022

Haason Reddick – Former Carolina Panthers OLB

Of all the departures in recent memory, few have caused as much bitterness as Haason Reddick‘s. The stud pass-rusher was allowed to leave despite notching 11 sacks during his one season with the Carolina Panthers, providing a prolific partner for Brian Burns that the former Florida State stud hadn’t experienced before.

Despite their blossoming relationship, Reddick was allowed to walk. Although this notion was contested by some sections of the fanbase, the player himself outlined his initial desire to remain in Carolina during his media availability before Sunday’s pivotal Super Bowl clash against the Kansas City Chiefs.

This worked out well for Reddick and the Philadelphia Eagles. It didn’t go so well for the Panthers, who had no consistent presence capable of generating pressure outside of Burns.

Had the Panthers worked something out with Reddick, things might have been different. As it stands, finding a productive pass-rusher is among the team’s priorities as new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero looks to take this unit into the elite category next season.

The Panthers would probably be there already had they shelled out the going rate for Reddick. Something that’s hard for fans to accept based on the ongoing fury whenever he makes a dominant play or if Rhule’s name comes up in the media.