The Carolina Panthers did not pick up a linebacker in the 2020 NFL Draft, which is good news for free-agent signing Tahir Whitehead.
Many people expected the Carolina Panthers to take a linebacker with one of their NFL Draft selections. It was a huge surprise that despite using all their allocated picks on defense, this did not include adding depth to the second level’s interior.
This became an area of considerable need for the franchise this offseason following the shock retirement of Luke Kuechly. The Hall of Fame-bound player called it a day after eight highly productive seasons in Carolina, citing long-term health as a reason behind the decision.
While the Panthers didn’t select a long-term option at the position. They did manage to secure the services of Tahir Whitehead from the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency thanks to a one-year deal that could be worth $2.5 million.
The former Temple standout has been a tackling machine over his last four seasons and is a low-risk, high reward pickup by the Panthers. Whitehead is expected to fill the inside linebacker position in Carolina’s new 4-3 defensive base and is a solid fit for the role.
Whitehead accumulated 234 combined tackles in his two-year spell with the Raiders, 167 of which were solo. His stats also included one forced fumble, one interception, and six pass deflections during this span.
The eight-year veteran is not going to offer you much in terms of pass-rushing. But what he does do well is get to the ball quickly and finish off plays superbly well.
Given the number of defensive playmakers now on the roster in 2020, that might be all they need from Whitehead in the short-term.
The Panthers’ confidence in Whitehead
It is clear that their NFL Draft picks represented a massive vote of confidence in Whitehead. Had they brought in a mid-rounder to compete for a spot, the player would have been looking over his shoulder somewhat heading into training camp.
Instead, Whitehead got a huge boost that could see the player reach new heights in 2020. He has some immensely big shoes to fill following Luke Kuechly’s retirement. And although it is unrealistic to expect anything like the perennial All-Pro’s influence on every down. If he can continue to produce big tackling numbers and aid where he can in coverage, this could be a steal for the money he is getting.
There is plenty of incentive for Whitehead to play well next season. If he continues to be consistent then the Carolina Panthers might be willing to make his stay with the franchise an extended one. At 30-years-of-age, the player does have room for one more extension that could bring significant financial benefits.
Only time will tell as to whether Whitehead’s stay in Carolina will be anything more than a short-term plug. Head coach Matt Rhule has already shown great faith in his ability to produce the goods when competitive action gets back underway. But it will be up to the player himself to deliver.
There will be plenty of energetic figures surrounding White after the Panthers’ went with pace and power throughout their defensive draft selections. That should allow him to focus primarily on what he does best.
If Whitehead can do this well, then it will do his long-term prospects with the organization no harm at all.