NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

One surprise cut candidate from each NFL team in 2022

By Randy Gurzi

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor (18) makes a catch with pressure from New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) in the first half. The Giants defeat the Eagles, 13-7, at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, in East Rutherford.Nyg Vs Phi
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor (18) makes a catch with pressure from New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) in the first half. The Giants defeat the Eagles, 13-7, at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, in East Rutherford.Nyg Vs Phi /
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2022 NFL
Jan 9, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA;Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs out of the pocket as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (56) pressures during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers: Sam Darnold, QB

The Carolina Panthers have had a new quarterback in each of the past two seasons — which happen to be the first two seasons of Matt Rhule’s career as their head coach. First, it was Teddy Bridgewater who played just one season of his three-year deal before the Panthers traded him to Denver.

In his place last year was Sam Darnold, who they landed in a trade with the New York Jets. Darnold was 3-0 to start the season but then the wheels fell off. He struggled with health and consistency and was even replaced by Cam Newton at one point — who returned after a short stint with the New England Patriots.

Looking ahead to 2022, Darnold is again penciled in as the starter but the Panthers might not stick with him. They continue to be connected to Baker Mayfield — who isn’t going to be starting for the Cleveland Browns anymore — and JimmY Garoppolo who could be beaten out by Trey Lance with the San Francisco 49ers.

Neither would be a huge upgrade over Darnold but both could be motivated to prove their old teams made a mistake. That could be enough for Rhule to get a decent season out of his offense, and potentially give him more time under the headset in Charlotte.

Chicago Bears: Nicholas Morrow, LB

There was a time when Nicholas Morrow was one of the top linebackers for the Las Vegas Raiders. He had 78 tackles, three sacks, and a pick in 2020. He hit free agency ahead of the 2021 season but after suffering a serious foot injury in the playoffs, he wasn’t given a long-term deal but instead signed a one-year deal.

Morrow never made it back to the field in 2021 as he spent the season on IR. He now heads to the Chicago Bears, where he signed a one-year deal. He’s slated to be the starter in Chicago after they moved on from Danny Trevathan but there are other options as well.

One is veteran Joe Thomas who has been a journeyman but is also a productive player whenever given the chance. In 2020, he was on the field a lot for Dallas and had 48 tackles and broke up two passes.

Another option is Jack Sanborn, who was undrafted out of Wisconsin — but he did nothing but find the ball carrier in college. Should he continue to rack up the tackles, he could find a home in the NFL. And if Morrow continues to struggle to stay healthy, that could open the door for him to come in.

Linebackers are often replaceable and Morrow isn’t guaranteed anything due to being on a one-year deal.

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