Which Free Agents Should the Panthers Re-Sign?
NFL free agency begins on March 15th at 4 p.m. EST, also signifying the start of the new league year. It's a big offseason for Frank Reich, who is entering his first year with the Carolina Panthers. He has several big decisions to make, most notably figuring out what to do at quarterback.
There are also several players who have expired contracts with the Carolina Panthers and are set to hit the open market. Which of those pending free agents should they bring back?
Here is how I see it.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
QB Sam Darnold
Assuming the Panthers opt to pass on Derek Carr, the Panthers should look to bring back Darnold and serve as the bridge to Anthony Richardson, C.J. Stroud, or whichever QB they draft next month. Cheap option and played fairly well last season behind the best offensive line he's had in front of him.
Projected decision: Re-sign.
RB D'Onta Foreman
Foreman told me back in January that he won't be asking for a ton of money, so I do expect a deal to get done at some point. Both sides want to move into the future together and it makes sense to.
Projected decision: Re-sign.
WR Rashard Higgins
Higgins came to Carolina in search of receiving more of an opportunity, possibly being the fourth option in the passing game. Instead, he was inactive for 14 games and did not log a single catch.
Projected decision: Let walk.
WR Andre Roberts
Roberts has been one of the best return men in the league for a quite a while, but he just turned 35. I'd like to see Carolina use Raheem Blackshear on kick return and free up a spot for another receiver on the roster.
Projected decision: Let walk.
T Cameron Erving
What we found out about Erving is that he's really good in a limited role. As a starter, that's a different story. It's always nice to have a veteran backup on the roster that can play multiple spots along the line.
Projected decision: Re-sign.
G Michael Jordan
I think Jordan was more of a fit for the previous staff as a backup. I'd imagine Reich and co. would like to draft someone on day three or sign a cheap veteran as a backup option.
Projected decision: Let walk.
C Bradley Bozeman
Once Bozeman was inserted into the starting lineup, Carolina's run game went to a completely different level. He set the tone with his physicality and did a decent job in pass protection allowing just two sacks. Bringing him back is a no-brainer to me.
Projected decision: Re-sign.
DE Henry Anderson
I could see Carolina going either way here with Anderson. He's not a bad option as a rotational player, but nothing more than that.
Projected decision: Let walk.
DT Matt Ioannidis
Ioannidis didn't provide as much of a threat as a pass rusher as I figured he would. That said, he still had a decent 2022 campaign and bringing him back on a one-year deal wouldn't be a bad idea.
Projected decision: Re-sign.
LB Cory Littleton
Like Anderson, Littleton is another veteran that could return on a cheap, one-year deal. But I think they'll go in a different direction and add more young, athletic talent.
Projected decision: Let walk.
LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe
Iyiegbuniwe isn't going to bring much defensively, but he's a solid special teamer.
Projected decision: Re-sign.
CB TJ Carrie
Carrie was brought on due to Carolina's mounting injuries at the position. He does have some experience playing for Frank Reich in Indy, but I don't know if that alone is enough to keep him a spot here in Carolina.
Projected decision: Let walk.
S Sean Chandler
Similar to Iyiegbuniwe, I don't see Chandler bringing much value on defense, but someone who can make plays on special teams.
Projected decision: Re-sign.
S Juston Burris
Fitterer has mentioned adding a safety more than a couple of times. I've never been high on Burris, so I think this is a clear spot where the Panthers can look to upgrade.
Projected decision: Let walk.
K Eddy Piñeiro
Everyone thinks this decision between Zane Gonzalez and Eddy Pineiro is going to be a tough one. Not me. This is Chris Tabor's guy. Plus, Gonzalez has suffered injuries in each of the last two seasons. Give Eddy his money. See what I did there?
Projected decision: Re-sign.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
QB P.J. Walker
Once and for all, Walker's time in Carolina comes to an end. With Matt Corral under contract and the Panthers looking to draft another AND sign a veteran to serve as the bridge, there's just simply no room for P.J. to come back.
Projected decision: Let walk.
S Myles Hartsfield
Not sure what they'll do here with Hartsfield, but I could see him returning. 50/50 on this one.
Projected decision: Re-sign.
S Sam Franklin
Franklin was one of the best special teamers in the entire NFL as a gunner. Punter Johnny Hekker raved about him all year long, noting his importance to the team. This is a no-brianer.
Projected decision: Re-sign.
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