3 Former Panthers Still Unemployed During OTAs

The Panthers begin the second portion of their OTAs (offseason team activities) on Tuesday after completing the first portion last week. Carolina underwent a lot of roster turnover this offseason and these practices give the coaching staff the first opportunity to see the new group together.

Several players are already standing out, though there's plenty of time this summer for guys to prove themselves. While many teams already have their core roster in place, plenty of free agents are still available for organizations looking to make an upgrade somewhere.

That list includes some former players from this roster as well. As we approach another session of OTAs across the NFL, let's look at three Panthers who are still looking for work nearing the end of May.

3 Former Panthers Still Unemployed

1. Marquis Haynes - DE

Marquis Haynes spent the last six seasons in Carolina after being selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He only started two games for the Panthers but played in 71, serving as valuable pass-rushing depth. With the defense remaking itself under new head coach Dave Canales, there wasn't room for Haynes any longer.

He's played well when given the opportunity though. Haynes notched seven tackles with a sack against Canales' offense in Tampa Bay last season but was limited to just seven games total. If you're a team in need of another body on the defensive line, Haynes is worth a call.

In 2022, Haynes played in 17 games, compiling a career-high 13 QB hits, five sacks, four deflected passes, and a fumble-recovery TD. He's on the wrong side of 30, but that production just a year ago indicates there's still something left in the tank.

If he can stay healthy, there's a spot on a roster somewhere for Haynes. He shouldn't expect some kind of big payday, and he may need to get work on a practice squad, though five-sack players are still useful as rotational linemen.

Haynes is likely the best Panthers player from last year that's still available, but he's not the best Panthers player overall that's on the market.