4 Panthers who could be extended before next season
By Nathan Fry
Scouting Report. CAROLINA PANTHERS. TAHIRWHITEHEAD. 3. Pick Analysis. INSIDE LINEBACKER. player. 87
Potential contract extension with Carolina Panthers: Tahir Whitehead – ILB
As a free agent signing in the 2020 offseason, we haven’t seen Tahir Whitehead play in a Carolina Panthers uniform before. But fans will know his name by the end of this season if he plays to the level that the player has in the past.
Whitehead has been consistent throughout the last four years of his career. And there’s a chance that this season could be his most productive yet.
The Temple product is certainly a player that Matt Rhule wanted on his defense coming into his first year. He produced well during his time with the Raiders, with 234 tackles over the last two seasons.
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He’s been somewhat of a liability in coverage. But the run-stopping ability is something that shouldn’t be overlooked for a Panthers defense that was one of the league’s worst at defending the run in 2019.
This is something that the team has taken steps to address during this offseason, with all seven draft picks being used on the defense. Whitehead is skilled at getting into running lanes and disrupting offenses. But the pass coverage has left a lot to be desired during his career.
Whitehead is potentially the inside linebacker replacement for Luke Kuechly. And will most likely see a large share of snaps throughout 2020. If he performs at or above the level that he played at in Oakland, there’s an opportunity for a new deal.