Panthers No. 84: Can Temmarick Hemingway make a name for himself?

Can tight end Temmarick Hemmingway finally make a name for himself in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers in 2020?

We are just 84 days away from the Carolina Panthers taking on the Las Vegas Raiders in their season opener. This has the scope to be one of the more eventful campaigns in franchise history. And this makes things all the more intriguing for the organization.

The way that the Carolina Panthers have gone about their business this offseason screams of a team that is in the first stages of their rebuild. Although not much is expected of them, each member of the roster will need to play their part in order for them to emerge from 2020 with encouraging signs.

Continuing our look at Panthers’ jersey numbers ahead of the new season, we now turn our attention to Carolina’s No. 84. Temmarick Hemingway was claimed off waivers by the franchise last year. And he represents an enticing option that has a previous relationship with head coach Matt Rhule from their time at Temple.

Hemingway has bounced around the NFL since he was taken by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round back in 2016. He has seen the field plenty on special teams. But he has yet to record a reception and he appears to be running out of opportunities to make a name for himself in the NFL.

Rhule will know plenty about what Hemingway can bring to the table. And the Panthers do have a hole to fill behind current No. 1 option Ian Thomas after he was elevated to the role following the free-agent departure of prolific veteran Greg Olsen.

Much will depend on how Hemingway gets on during limited time on the field during training camp. There is nothing to suggest he cannot make an impression. But he will need to stand out considerably in order to earn a place on the 53-man roster.

Can Temmarick Hemingway make a name for himself with the Carolina Panthers?

It appears unlikely that Temmarick Hemingway can earn any significant game time with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. However, there is definitely an opening. And it will be up to the player to take advantage.

Hemingway comes into training camp as a real unknown in terms of what he can bring to the Panthers. He has the right size and scope to be a presence in the passing game. But the simple fact is there isn’t too much to go off in terms of on-field production in the NFL.

This might work in his and Carolina’s favor. If anyone knows how to get the best of out Hemingway, it will be Rhule. While it appears unlikely, he could become something of a secret weapon if the player does enough to earn a roster spot.

They clearly saw something in him by claiming him off the waiver wire. And his one-year, $750,000 deal does not come with any dead cap figure if the Panthers and the player go their separate ways.

Hemingway’s performance during camp is just one of a wealth of things to keep a close eye on. And he is sure to give it everything in the coming weeks during what appears to be his final chance to make a go of things in a professional environment.