4 Panthers players fighting for their futures in season finale
By Dean Jones
15. FOX. Sunday, Jan 3. 5-10. 11-4. 87. Saints -6.5. 4.25 PM ET
Which Carolina Panthers are fighting for their futures in Week 17?
We are now in the final few days before the Carolina Panthers bring the curtain down on their 2020 season. Sunday’s game at home to the New Orleans Saints is the culmination of yet another eventful campaign with plenty of ups and downs, which has left Matt Rhule looking a 6-10 season at best if his side can pull off a major upset at Bank of America Stadium.
Although it may not seem like it, there will be plenty of reasons for certain roster members to make their presence felt in this one. A large number of players are looking to secure their long-term future with the Carolina Panthers and leaving a positive impression heading into the offseason will improve their chances of either getting a more substantial role or a new deal in 2021.
The Saints will also be chomping at the bit with the No. 1 seed still within their grasp. But much will depend on how the Green Bay Packers get on at their NFC North rival Chicago Bears as to whether Sean Payton will leave his starters in for the majority of the contest.
Let’s take a look at four Panthers players who are fighting for their futures in the Week 17 finale.
Player No. 1
Rasul Douglas – Carolina Panthers CB
Rasul Douglas began his career in Carolina with a series of outstanding displays. Picking him up off the waiver wire was a shrewd move by the organization at a time when depth at the cornerback spot was a real concern. But things have regressed since and he’ll need to put in a solid outing in Week 17 to give himself a stronger chance of an extension.
This is a precarious situation and nobody will know that more than Douglas himself. Leaving his mark in the final game of the season against a formidable Saints’ passing attack will not go unnoticed by the coaching staff ahead of some big upcoming decisions this offseason.
Douglas has given up 45 receptions on 69 targets this season on his way to a 60.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. However, this represents a do-or-die scenario for the corner in no uncertain terms.