4 Panthers players on defense under pressure to perform in 2021
By Dean Jones
Juston Burris – Carolina Panthers S
One could argue that Juston Burris is under the most pressure of anyone on defense next season. The Carolina Panthers decided to keep him around despite a less than stellar first campaign with the franchise, but there is still much work to be done if the player wants to prolong his stay beyond 2021.
Burris will have a better supporting cast around him when competitive action begins. Carolina is expected to move Jeremy Chinn back to his preferred position of safety to go alongside last year’s free-agent signing, with the reinforcements made at cornerback something else that could take some pressure off.
The former North Carolina State star has a couple of young players breathing down his neck for time on the field in Sam Franklin and Myles Hartsfield, although much will depend on how the undrafted duo develop their craft this offseason after some encouraging rookie signs.
Carolina also has the option of bringing in another veteran player in free agency if Burris doesn’t show enough at training camp, so hitting the ground running is going to be key for him with some additional experience within the scheme to call upon.
There do not appear to be many weak links on the Panthers’ defense. Burris could be one if he fails to make the adjustments needed to make a better go of things with a prolific talent such as Chinn partnering him on the backend.