The first big step Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule needed to take in 2022 was, well, taken. As we sit here now, on June 22, we can say that the man has pieced together a largely successful offseason to this point.
Although they remain void of an actual answer under center, the additions around that particular spot have put this Panthers team in a better position to succeed this upcoming season. So, let’s take a look (and rank) Carolina’s top acquisitions of the past few months.
7
Johnny Hekker
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Is a punter really amongst this team’s supposedly successful array of moves this offseason? Well, when you add a leg of this caliber to a team who’s had little to no stability at the position in recent years—yes.
The Panthers have gone through four different punters over the past three seasons. Hekker, a six-time All-Pro, now gives the coaching staff and front office a safe solution on his three-year, $7.6 million deal.
6
Xavier Woods
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina also had some stability issues at the backend of their defense next to Jeremy Chinn. And while Juston Burris, Kenny Robinson and Sam Franklin are solid enough depth pieces, they don’t bring what Woods can.
The team’s first free-agent signing of the spring, Woods is fresh off a career year in Minnesota—where he recorded three interceptions, two forced fumbles and 108 tackles while being the only NFL defender to play every single one of his unit’s snaps. He’s also particularly stout against the run, having graded out third amongst all safeties (87.5) by Pro Football Focus in that department.
5
Matt Corral
AP Photo/Chris Carlson
Is Corral the future, or even the present, for Carolina? Maybe, maybe not. But at least they’re taking their swing.
With the Ole Miss Standout lasting…
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