Piñeiro, Ioannidis highlight Panthers’ list of 2023 free agents on special teams, defense
While D’Onta Foreman, Sam Darnold and Bradley Bozeman headline the Carolina Panthers’ 2023 free agency class, there are several notable names set to hit the open market on defense and special teams as well.
Following the 10-7 win against the New Orleans Saints, 20 Panthers players (after the re-signings of Giovanni Ricci and Stephen Sullivan on Monday) will enter some form of free agency. On defense and special teams, those players are key cogs from this past season’s squad.
Here is a complete list of the Panthers’ 2023 free agents on defense and special teams:
(Note: For offensive free agents, click here)
DT Matthew Ioannidis
2022 Stats: 37 tackles and a sack in 13 games (13 starts).
Ioannidis was brought in to partner with Derrick Brown after he was released by the Washington Commanders this past offseason. The defensive tackle had a background with former coach Matt Rhule from their days at Temple, and he fit the three-technique role opposite Brown.
Ioannidis had a solid season in Carolina, even as a calf and back injuries slowed his momentum. While his stats won’t “wow” anyone, he was a sturdy veteran presence in the middle of the line. He could return if the new regime can get him at a solid price.
K Eddy Piñeiro
2022 Stats: Made 33 of 35 (94.2%) field-goal attempts, 28 of 30 extra-point attempts (93.3%).
While his missed attempts against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8 will be etched into the brains of Panthers fans for a while, Piñeiro’s season has to be viewed as a resounding success. He finished the season with a conversion rate of 94.2% on field goals, which placed him at the top of the NFL rankings for a kicker with 25 or more attempts.
With Zane Gonzalez on the mend, the Panthers will have an interesting to decision to make.
Will the Panthers release Gonzalez to keep Piñeiro? Will they keep both for a competition? Or, will Piñeiro price himself out of the Panthers’ pay range?
LS JJ Jansen
2022 Stats: 17 games — set franchise record with 226 games played.
The Panthers’ all-time games leader is set to hit the market again. While he is set to turn 37 in a few days, Jansen has shown no signs of regression at the position. Earlier this season, Jansen told The Observer that he’d like to play four or five more seasons.
The Panthers need to decide if they want the longtime leader and franchise historian to stick around for another new regime.
LB Cory Littleton
2022 Stats: 47 tackles, half-sack and 2 QB hits in 14 games (7 starts).
Littleton bobbed and weaved in and out of the lineup throughout the season. While he didn’t make a lot of “wow” plays, he was a sturdy fill-in starter during Wilks’ tenure at the top. He is likely to look for a permanent starting role elsewhere in free agency. If that opportunity doesn’t emerge, he could return on another short-term deal.
S Sean Chandler
2022 Stats: 19 tackles in 17 games (0 starts).
Chandler has been one of the Panthers’ better special teams players over the past two seasons. He serves as a personal protector on punt coverage and he has been a dynamo on kickoffs this season. While Sam Franklin received most of the praise on special teams coverage units, Chandler was just behind him in tackles and overall production. He could return at the right price.
S Juston Burris
2022 Stats: 20 total tackles in 5 games (3 starts).
Burris had bounced on and off the 53-man roster for the past three years. He was elevated from the practice squad after Wilks took over for Rhule this season. Burris played within the Panthers’ safety rotation and was used on special teams. He might have to look for work elsewhere if Wilks isn’t retained.
CB T.J. Carrie
2022 Stats: 9 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 7 games.
The Panthers brought in Carrie after the team suffered multiple cornerback injuries. Carrie had played for Wilks in Cleveland and knew the defense. His lone highlight on the campaign was forcing and recovering a fumble in the home win over the Denver Broncos. He is likely to have to wait to find work in free agency.
DE Henry Anderson
2022 Stats: 18 tackles (3 for loss) in 11 games (0 starts).
Anderson was brought in to be a run-stopping complement to Brian Burns at defensive end. Anderson was put on the non-football illness list in Week 7 after he suffered what he called a “minor stroke.” He eventually returned to the lineup and played in the defensive end rotation. His future is hard to nail down.
LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe
2022 Stats: 2 tackles in 6 games (0 starts).
As a midseason arrival, Iyiegbuniwe helped the Panthers on special teams. Given his background with coordinator Chris Tabor, Iyiegbuniwe was able to find a suitable role quickly and produce. He could be back if Tabor is retained this offseason.
CB Justin Layne
2022 Stats: N/A (No games with Panthers).
The Panthers claimed Layne off of waivers from the New York Giants last month. He chose not to report to the Panthers and was placed on an inactive list for the remainder of the season.
S Sam Franklin (RFA)
2022 Stats: 20 tackles and a forced fumble in 17 games (1 start).
Franklin has developed into a special teams dynamo. He led the Panthers in special teams tackles and was the third unit’s nominee for the Pro Bowl.
Franklin has quickly become a favorite among his teammates and coaches. His work on special teams led to an enhanced role on defense.
Franklin can be retained with a “right of first refusal” tender as a restricted free agent. If he gets an offer sheet, the Panthers would be able to match it with the tender.
S Myles Hartsfield (RFA)
2022 Stats: 59 tackles (2 for loss), 2 pass breakups and a forced fumble in 15 games (10 starts).
Like Franklin, Hartsfield will become a restricted free agent in March. Also like Franklin, Hartsfield is a former undrafted free agent who could be retained with a “right of first refusal” tender.
The Panthers like Hartsfield’s versatility, as he was able to start at free safety and nickel corner this season. He also has some special teams ability as well.
Hartsfield is likely to return, barring a complete shift in the defensive philosophy.
This story was originally published January 8, 2023 at 4:31 PM with the headline "Piñeiro, Ioannidis highlight Panthers’ list of 2023 free agents on special teams, defense."
