5 most important free-agents for the Panthers to re-sign in 2021

Rasul Douglas – Carolina Panthers CB

Rasul Douglas was an incredibly shrewd pickup by the Carolina Panthers prior to the season. The cornerback was sent to the waiver wire after failing to make the Philadelphia Eagles’ 53-man roster and this decision seems like a real head-scratcher judging by what we’ve seen from the player this season.

Douglas started off superbly well despite coming up against some formidable wide receivers during his transition to a new environment. The Panthers put plenty of responsibility on his shoulders thanks to Donte Jackson’s health problems and this actually helped his cause in a weird way.

Things might have tailed off somewhat leading into the bye week. But there is nothing to suggest that Douglas is not more than worthy of a contract extension next spring.

Carolina could still use another young prospect within their cornerback unit. The jury is still out on fourth-round selection Troy Pride Jr. and even though Corn Elder has been a revelation in the slot this season, he is another that is out of contract at the end of the campaign.

This makes it all the more essential for the Panthers to make Douglas an enticing enough offer for him to commit. There should be big changes elsewhere on the roster, so keeping some continuity in this pivotal area of the field will be crucial.