Pair of Panthers defenders ranked as top potential NFL free agents for 2022

The Carolina Panthers are coming off a 2021 campaign where their defense was ranked as the top unit in the entire NFL for a major part of the season.

With a make-or-break season for Matt Rhule and the Panthers’ coaching staff seemingly approaching in 2022, the organization’s brass is going to have to get creative when it comes to keeping some of its top defensive stars.

ESPN released an article highlighting the 50 best available free agents heading into next season, and two Carolina Panthers star defenders made the list.

Hasson Reddick: No. 20

“Reddick signed a one-year prove-it deal with the Panthers after his 12.5-sack season with the Cardinals in 2020 — and more or less proved it,” the ESPN piece highlighted. “He finished the season with 11 sacks in 16 games, showing exceptional efficiency as a pass-rusher. His 23.5 sacks in the past two seasons ranks No. 5 in the NFL over that period, and he did it in 728 pass-rushing snaps — fewer than anyone ahead of him on the list.”

Listed directly behind Reddick is another Carolina Panthers defensive back who was acquired during the season.

Stephon Gilmore: No. 21

“When the Patriots decided against signing him to a significant contract extension, Gilmore got himself traded to the Panthers,” ESPN said.

“He was largely buried in the Panthers’ second-half swoon, but in the right environment, he would provide a veteran anchor who can still play press-man coverage for a defensive backfield.”

Carolina Panthers sign veteran coach to key role

The Panthers are in need of a remodel to their offense before the start of next season, and on Monday, they announced the architect that will be in charge. The Panthers announced that they have agreed to terms with Ben McAdoo to become their new offensive coordinator. He’ll take over in Carolina for Joe Brady, who was fired in December. The Panthers went 5-12 this season after starting the year 3-0.

McAdoo, who is the former head coach of the New York Giants from 2016-2017, has 15 years’ worth of NFL experience. During his time as New York’s headman, McAdoo totaled a 13-15 record — and the two years were drastically different. The Giants went 11-5 in his first year, but went just 2-10 before they fired him the next season.

Is McAdoo considered an upgrade for the Carolina Panthers? Only time will tell.

The pinnacle of his success would be the aforementioned stop with the Giants, where he spent two seasons at the helm. In his 2016 season with New York, they ended the year as the NFL’s least penalized team and were 8-3 in one-score games. In comparison, the Panthers finished this season 2-6 and one-score games and were one of the league’s most penalized teams ranking in the bottom 10.

McAdoo’s most recent assignment was in 2020 as the Jaguars quarterback coach. And last year, he had an unofficial position with the Cowboys as a consultant.

The Carolina Panthers have a ton of work to do between now and the start of 2022 to turn the tide.