4 Carolina Panthers players who cannot afford to regress in 2021

Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB

It’s true what they say about performances on the field. If you’re good enough, teams will always keep you around no matter what.

This was certainly the case where Jermaine Carter was concerned in 2020. A clear difference of opinions with head coach Matt Rhule saw him become a bystander over the first half of the campaign, but the fact they didn’t cut him loose entirely ended up being one of the season’s real turning points on defense.

Carter was finally thrust into the starting lineup at the expense of Tahir Whitehead, who will go down as one of the worst free-agent signings in recent memory. The former fifth-round pick brought an energy and enthusiasm that was sorely lacking and this also improved Shaq Thompson’s production alongside him at outside linebacker.

This won’t have gone unnoticed by the coaching staff, who look set to start Carter on the outside following their decision to bring in Denzel Perryman from the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. Carolina’s front seven should be much improved in 2021 despite Jeremy Chinn moving back to safety, but it’s vital the Maryland product doesn’t get complacent now he is finally part of Rhule’s plans.

Getting out of the dog house was the easy part for Carter. What comes next will be even more important.