5 most important additions of the Panthers’ 2021 offseason

Denzel Perryman – Carolina Panthers LB

Luke Kuechly will never be replaced fully. The linebacker gave absolutely everything to the Carolina Panthers on and off the field during a glittering eight-year playing career with the organization, with his time in the front office as a pro scout lasting just one season before he decided to step away quietly just a few short weeks ago.

This is an area of the field where the Panthers struggled mightily in 2020. Tahir Whitehead was a disaster from very early on and even though Jermaine Carter did perform well when finally emerging from Matt Rhule doghouse, a more reliable presence at the second level was clearly needed.

Carolina made an eye-catching move to acquire Denzel Perryman in free agency. The player showed flashes of brilliance during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers in recent years and although he’s had his troubles staying healthy, there is plenty to like about his chances of making a real impact from a starting role.

Putting Perryman alongside Shaq Thompson and Carter within Carolina’s linebacker room could be a masterstroke and one that would benefit an improving defense greatly. If this signing pans out as expected, it will be arguably the team’s most important defensive addition.