4 Carolina Panthers players who could benefit from recent cuts
By Dean Jones
Sam Franklin – Carolina Panthers S
Considering Sam Franklin came to the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free-agent with little in the way of expectations, his performances when thrust into the lineup was encouraging, to say the least. Linking up once again with his former college coach Matt Rhule was the best possible outcome for the safety and there might just be an opening for more involvement in 2021.
Tre Boston won’t be around after struggling to find the form of 2019 that earned him a three-year, $18 million deal during the last free agency period. There is the prospect of Carolina moving Jeremy Chinn to the backend after the stud rookie shined at outside linebacker, although that would leave the Panthers short of energy at the second level.
Even if the Panthers choose to go down this route, Chinn should be seen as more of a defensive playmaker rather than being tied to one position on the field. Some additional options will be sought in free agency or the 2021 NFL Draft, but being around the team last season and making a notable contribution gives Franklin every chance of earning a more substantial role.
Franklin finished his first year in the pros with 15 tackles, one sack, one pass defended, one quarterback hit, one tackle for loss, and a 55.0 grade from Pro Football Focus from 23 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. He’ll have gained an untold amount of confidence and belief that he belongs in the NFL, so there could be plenty more to come.