As they lose notable starters to the open market, the Carolina Panthers are bringing back one of their rotational defensive linemen for a couple more years, agreeing to terms with defensive end Marquis Haynes Sr. on a two-year extension reportedly worth $5.5 million.
While Carolina couldn’t keep starters Haason Reddick or DaQuan Jones from moving elsewhere on the first day of the legal tampering period, the Panthers made sure to keep Haynes, 28, on the roster before he became an unrestricted free agent Wednesday afternoon.
In 2021, Haynes was as disruptive as he was efficient, racking up 20 tackles and three sacks on a 21% defensive snap count. His sack total was enough to land him third on the team in the category despite his minimal time on the field.
Since Carolina drafted Haynes in 2018, making big plays in little playing time has become his forte. The Mississippi product has developed into an effective rotational pass rusher in the NFL, and his snap count had been increasing quickly before the Panthers signed Reddick last season. With Reddick in Philly this season, defensive coordinator Phil Snow could expand Haynes’ role as a pass rusher.
For his part, Haynes seemed excited to stay in Carolina. He took to Twitter just minutes after the team announced the deal.
Let’s run it back CAROLINA
— Marquis Haynes (@MarquisHaynes98) March 15, 2022
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