CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- NFL free agency kicked off March 14, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2022 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The first round of the 2022 NFL draft begins April 28 on ESPN.
The Carolina Panthers continue to search for a franchise quarterback, but the primary focus in free agency is on the offensive line, starting at left tackle.
General manager Scott Fitterer believes stability up front is the best way to evaluate the quarterback, whether it’s Sam Darnold, a draft pick, or somebody acquired via trade or free agency.
So the O-line should look vastly different than the one that allowed 52 sacks (fifth most in the NFL) a year ago during a 5-12 season.
Here's a breakdown of every 2022 NFL free-agent signing by the Panthers, and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Donte Jackson, CB
The two sides agreed on a three-year deal.
What it means: The Panthers keep a key component from a defense that ranked second in the NFL last season. With Jackson, 2021 first-round pick Jaycee Horn and CJ Henderson, the ninth pick of the 2020 draft acquired last season in a trade with Jacksonville, Carolina has a young, fast secondary to build around. Jackson, 26, was having his best season in 2021 before a groin injury sidelined him in Week 12. He has 12 career interceptions and appears to have his best football ahead of him.
What's the risk: Injuries have forced Jackson to miss 10 games the past three seasons, including the final five in 2021. So that's always a concern. But when healthy, he has shown the athleticism and leadership to be a solid starter.
Xavier Woods, S
The three-year deal is worth $15.75 million.
What it means: The Panthers were looking for somebody to play beside third-year player Jeremy Chinn, and in Woods, they got a solid playmaker with slot cover skills. He had three interceptions and 108 tackles last season for the Minnesota Vikings. He spent the previous four seasons at Dallas after being selected in the sixth round of the 2017 draft. Many thought he was a steal there. He's young and should fit right in as the free safety. Plus he didn't come at a big cost.
What's the risk: Not much considering the cost isn't high. He's a solid tackler with little downsize.
Austin Corbett, G
Corbett also got a three-year deal that is worth $29.25 million
What it means: This is the first piece in rebuilding the offensive line. Because the salary demand of the top left tackles was so high, the team wanted to come out of free agency with a solid guard upgrade. Corbett is that. His strength is run blocking, so he'll fit what new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo wants to in terms of developing a power run game. Corbett's not huge (6-foot-4, 306 pounds) for a guard, but makes up for that with athleticism. Should be a nice fit on the right side, but can play the left.
What's the risk: A big reason the Panthers are looking to upgrade the line is pass protection. They allowed 52 sacks, fifth most in the NFL, last season. Pass protection is Corbett's weakness. He allowed 34 pressures on 674 pass-blocking snaps this past season. That's a pressure rate of 5.04% that ranks 38th out of 68 qualified guards, according to Pro Football Focus.
Sean Chandler, S
Chandler agreed to re-sign with the Panthers on a one-year deal.
What it means: The team brings back a player who started seven games last season and is a solid special teams player. He also played for coach Matt Rhule in college, so he is all-in on the process the coach is trying to establish.
What's the risk: Little risk. Depth and special teams are important, and Chandler is low cost.
Marquis Haynes Sr., DE
Haynes agreed to stay with the Panthers on a two-year deal.
What it means: The Panthers need edge rushers after losing sack leader Haason Reddick in free agency. Haynes is that. His seven sacks the past two seasons are the second most by an NFL player with fewer than 600 snaps. He offers depth to the line as a rotational player, and perhaps with more playing time that he didn't get behind Reddick and Brian Burns, he could become more impactful.
What's the risk: He's still undersized to be a true defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, so he can't be depended on consistently as a run stopper. Stopping the run was a problem for Carolina last season. Despite ranking second in total defense last season, the Panthers ranked 18th against the run, giving up 113.8 yards a game.
D'Onta Foreman, RB
Foreman and the Panthers agreed to a one-year contract.
What it means: Foreman (6-foot-1, 236 pounds) brings a more physical running style to the Panthers than they have with either Christian McCaffrey or Chuba Hubbard. This seems to fit into what new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, known for having a power running game, wants. It also could open the door for McCaffrey to play more in the slot this season, which coach Rhule hasn't ruled out. Carolina really didn't have a productive player in the slot last season, and few, if any, run a rout tree like McCaffrey.
Foreman came into his own last season with Derrick Henry out. He rushed for 566 yards and had another 123 yards in receptions. He is solid insurance for McCaffrey, who has played in only 10 games combined the past two seasons.
What's the risk: Doesn't feel like any risk at all. In fact, Foreman not only gives the Panthers insurance if McCaffrey gets hurt for a third straight season, he also gives the team a potential starter, along with Hubbard, should Carolina opt to trade McCaffrey. That's not the plan, but other teams have inquired.
Rashard Higgins, WR
Higgins agreed to a one-year deal with the Panthers.
What it means: Depth with a veteran at wide receiver. Higgins has 137 career catches, with only 24 coming last season. The 27-year-old, nicknamed "Hollywood,'' is a speedster who could be a deep threat, but it looks unlikely he will crack even the top three receivers for the Panthers, behind DJ Moore, Robby Anderson and Terrace Marshall Jr.
What's the risk: None. This is simply a depth signing and somebody who could help on special teams. Not an impact player.
Brandon Zylstra, WR
The Panthers and Zylstra agreed to terms on a one-year deal.
What it means: Bringing Zylstra back helps shore up special teams, provide depth at wide receiver and gives the Panthers an emergency kicker, as he had to improvise at Buffalo this past season. Just don't rely on him for field goals or extra points. He returned only three kickoffs last season but averaged 48.7 yards per return.
What's the risk: No risk. He's still in a prove-it mode as a wide receiver but already has proved to be valuable on special teams.
Damien Wilson, LB
Wilson agreed to a two-year contract with the Panthers
What it means: In their continued quest to replace Luke Kuechly, the Panthers signed Wilson to likely replace free agent Jermaine Carter Jr. at inside linebacker. Wilson had a career-best 106 tackles and three sacks last season for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He originally was a fourth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys, then moved on to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he helped them win Super Bowl LIV.
What's the risk: One of Kuechly's strengths was coverability. That's one of Wilson's weaknesses, a big reason for his overall low grade of 44.0 by Pro Football Focus.
Matt Ioannidis, DT
Ioannidis inked a one-year deal with the Panthers
What it means: The Panthers were looking for a veteran to replace DaQuan Jones, who signed with Buffalo. They got it in 28-year-old Ioannidis, who played for coach Rhule and DC Phil Snow at Temple. He is big (6-foot-3, 310 pounds) and can get after the passer with his quickness off the line. He'll be a good fit beside Derrick Brown, more of a run stopper. His experience in Snow's system should make for an easy transition.
What's the risk: Not much. Returning to a system he's familiar with will help. Ioannidis had 16 sacks combined between 2018 and 2019. He had only four combined the past two seasons for the Washington Commanders under former Carolina coach Ron Rivera.
Johnny Hekker, P
The Panthers signed Hekker to a three-year deal.
What it means: The Panthers have given new special teams coordinator Chris Tabor a wealth of experience and talent. Hekker, 32, was the NFL's All-Decade punter for the 2010s and is a four-time Pro Bowl selection. He has a career gross average of 46.7 yards per punt and holds the record for the longest punt in a Super Bowl at 65 yards. Put him with veteran deep snapper J.J. Jansen and kicker Zane Gonzalez and this is as solid as any special teams group in the NFL.
What's the risk: His 44.2 yards per punt in 2021 were the lowest of his career, so there's a chance he's on the down side of his career.
Bradley Bozeman, C
The Panthers inked Bozeman to a one-year deal.
What it means: More depth and experience up front as GM Scott Fitterer rebuilds the offensive line as promised. Bozeman has started 48 games the past three seasons, at left guard in 2019-20 and center in 2021. If the Panthers stick with Pat Elflein at center, then pencil Bozeman in at left guard. They've already signed Austin Corbett to play right guard. But Bozeman offers position flexibility that the Panthers like. His presence leaves only the left tackle spot open, and that could be filled through the draft or with Brady Christensen.
What's the risk: Not a big risk at all. The Panthers were willing to move on from Matt Paradis, and Bozeman offers experience and an upgrade in talent at two positions.
Cory Littleton, LB
Littleton got a one-year, $2.6 million deal from the Panthers.
What it means: The Panthers continued to strengthen the middle of their defense, adding Littleton inside to compete with Damien Wilson, another free-agent signee. Littleton, 28, is considered better in coverage than Wilson, although he didn't have an interception the past two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. The two previous seasons with the Los Angeles Rams he combined for five. He also had 259 tackles combined in 2018-19.
What's the risk: The biggest risk is he has a good season and is on the market again. He did struggle some with the Raiders, but put him in the right system as he was with the Rams, and he can flourish.
Rashaan Melvin, CB
Melvin and the Panthers signed a one-year contract.
What it means: Likely that Pro Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore won't return. Melvin, 32, gives Carolina a corner with veteran experience. He'll be surrounded by Donte Jackson, Jaycee Horn, CJ Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr., all 26 or younger. Melvin provides depth and starting experience.
What's the risk: Melvin likely has seen his best days, so there's the question of just how much he can contribute beyond experience.
Juston Burris, S
The Panthers re-signed Burris to a one-year contract.
What it means: The Panthers keep some continuity in the secondary by bringing back Burris, who started 20 games the past two seasons for Carolina. He'll bring depth and experience behind Xavier Woods, who was signed to a three-year deal in earlier in free agency to play opposite Jeremy Chinn.
What's the risk: He's not a big playmaker, which is why Carolina signed Woods. But he knows DC Snow's system and has bought into Rhule's process, so his leadership is valuable.
Chris Westry, CB
The Panthers signed Westry to a one-year contract.
What it means: More depth with a big (6-foot-4) corner who has some experience. It also could mean the Panthers are convinced Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore won't return. Gilmore has been exploring free agency and reportedly has drawn interest from the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. Westry went to the Dallas Cowboys undrafted out of Kentucky in 2019. He started two games this past season for the Baltimore Ravens. So depth is the biggest add.
What's the risk: Injuries have landed him on injured reserve the past two seasons, but overall, he is low risk since he's mostly added for competition at a position where the team appears strong and deep.