Carolina Panthers training camp: 4 players with the most to prove
By Dean Jones
JERMAINECARTER. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. CAROLINA PANTHERS. 3. 87
Carolina Panthers Player No. 3: Jermaine Carter (LB)
The Carolina Panthers have an opening opposite Shaq Thompson at outside linebacker in 2020. There doesn’t appear to be a firm favorite for the role. And this open competition is one of the more intriguing things to keep an eye on during training camp.
Jermaine Carter will fancy his chances more than most in pursuit of the role. He has shown glimpses of promise during his limited spells on the field. And his third year as a professional could see a substantial role increase providing he shows promise in the coming weeks.
There is a lot to like about the potential regarding Carter. He has all the speed and athleticism that the Panthers’ coaching staff coveted regularly during free agency and the NFL Draft. And the player is versatile enough to operate as a middle linebacker or on the edge.
Related Story. Panthers No. 56: Can Jermaine Carter secure a starting spot?. light
Securing the starting position over the likes of Jordan Kunaszyk and Christian Miller is only half the battle. This can be done during Panthers’ camp. But Carter will be thrown to the wolves from week one with no preseason games on the schedule.
The former Maryland standout has the right sort of character to make every snap count. And this is something that could see some improved financial incentives if he impresses next season.
Carter is heading into the penultimate year of his rookie deal and will make a base salary of $750,000 in 2020. Although this will increase to $920,000 next year, if he outperforms this deal then a bigger commitment might be in the offing.