Panthers: Is Thomas Davis coming back in 2019?
The Carolina Panthers veteran may suit up for one more season….
Many though Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis was going to hang it up at the end of the 2018 season. Now it looks like that may not be the case. Davis is considering playing another season according to multiple media reports.
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Davis recorded 52 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery in 15 games played, all of which he started. His best game of the season came on December 31 in the final game of the season against the Atlanta Falcons. In that contest, he recorded eight tackles, his most on the season.
Davis was suspended for the first four games of the 2018 season for violating the league’s performance enhancing substance policy. However, Davis told the media Thursday that he did not knowingly take anything illegal. Per Darin Gantt of ProFootbalTalk.com, he did say there was a possibility that would play in 2019.
"“I’m very open to the possibility of playing next season,” Davis said. Upon a follow-up question, he continued: “You haven’t been listening. I’m very open.”"
It make sense he would at least consider coming back. For one, a four-game suspension is a four-game rest for his body. Over the course of a 16-game season, it may not seem like much, but given the physical nature of the game, it certainly amounts to something,
Secondly, the Carolina Panthers have constructed a roster that looks like it is ready for multiple Super Bowl appearances. At age 35, how many more of these opportunities does he have left? My guess is, he will not have many. This year and next may be the best opportunities of his career. This Carolina Panthers team is extremely talented on both sides of the football and should easily be able to compete with the National Football League’s elite.
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The fact that he is “very open” tell me that there is a good chance he is coming back. With the four-game “break” if you will and a retooled roster, it makes too much sense for him to come back and finish his career on top.