Panthers defense: 4 players under pressure to perform in 2020

Tahir Whitehead

The Carolina Panthers defense lost a hugely influential figure when linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his shock retirement this offseason. The franchise opted not to draft a long-term replacement at the position despite using every allocated pick on the defensive side of the ball.

This indicates a tremendous amount of faith in free-agent acquisition Tahir Whitehead. He signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal from the Las Vegas Raiders and is going to provide the anchor at the second level the Panthers defense sorely needs.

While it is unrealistic to expect the same sort of production that Kuechly provided during a glittering career. There is plenty to suggest that Whitehead is more than capable of plugging the gap as he looks to secure a longer-term commitment from the organization.

The former fifth-round pick has been a tackling machine for the Raiders over the last two seasons. Whitehead tallied 234 combined tackles, 167 solo tackles, one forced fumble, and six pass deflections over this period. And similar sort of stats during his time in Carolina would be just what defensive coordinator Phil Snow is looking for during a period of transition.

The Panthers’ defense could be much improved in 2020. But much will depend on how the group pulls together early on and Whitehead’s experience and know-how are going to be pivotal for a young group who may take some time to find their feet.