Panthers: 3 goals for Tahir Whitehead to get a long-term deal

Carolina Panthers Goal No. 3: Become a locker room leader

The Carolina Panthers parted ways with a wealth of veteran players this offseason. While it is hard to deny that this was a necessity to boost their chances of success going forward. It has left the locker room devoid of any real prominent leadership.

The likes of Gerald McCoy, Cam Newton, Greg Olsen, and Luke Kuechly all made their presence felt in this regard. And others will need to stand up and assume these roles to further assist Carolina’s young roster.

Tahir Whitehead is someone that the Panthers will be hoping can take on this mantle. He has been a vocal presence on the field throughout his time in the NFL. And the player is also a figure that commands respect behind the scenes.

It might be hard for players to come in and immediately take over the role of leader initially. But this isn’t a normal situation that Whitehead is walking into.

You can count on one hand the number of players who have been with the franchise for more than a season or two. So the player does have an opportunity to stamp his mark on the defense and the Panthers in general.

This is another way that Whitehead can emerge as a prominent player going forward. Things are not going to be easy for the organization next season. And if the player can provide the right sort of encouragement and motivation to his teammates. It is going to do his chances of a longer stay in Carolina the world of good.