Carolina Panthers: 5 players who need a full season in 2020
By Dean Jones
TAHIRWHITEHEAD. 2. player. Scouting Report. LB. CAROLINA PANTHERS. 87. Pick Analysis
Carolina Panthers Player No. 2: Tahir Whitehead (LB)
The Carolina Panthers lost the services of legendary figure Luke Kuechly to a shock retirement this offseason. Although this fell into their bid to go younger as part of their rebuild. Not having the perennial All-Pro is a substantial blow to their chances going forward.
They didn’t really bring in anyone that could be considered a long-term replacement during the free agency period or the 2020 NFL Draft. But Tahir Whitehead will be looking to stake his claim next season in a bid for a longer commitment from the organization.
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Whitehead signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal to link-up with his former college coach Matt Rhule once again. And he will be given the opportunity to plug the enormous void left by Kuechly.
The player does have his limitations, particularly in coverage. But he is a strong tackler who commands respect in the run game. So there is plenty of encouragement regarding his chances in a scheme he is already familiar with.
If the NFL season was abruptly halted due to the current climate, then Whitehead’s chances of earning a longer stay in Carolina would diminish. The veteran will need as much time as possible on the field to put some prolonged film together as he goes back to the bargaining table next spring. And not having a full fixture-list will have a detrimental impact on his attempts to get a bigger deal from the Panthers.