5 departures the Carolina Panthers will miss the most in 2021
By Jason Huber
Mike Davis – Former Carolina Panthers RB
- Signed with the Atlanta Falcons
Mike Davis went from a late-season addition in 2019 to one of the Carolina Panthers’ most valuable players last season when Christian McCaffrey missed a majority of the year with injuries.
In 12 starts last year, Davis finished with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, scored eight touchdowns, and was a threat on the ground and in the air.
According to Pro Football Focus, Davis led all running backs with 22 forced missed tackles to further heighten his overall influence at a time when Carolina needed him the most.
It’s unclear whether or not the Panthers made a big attempt to re-sign the 28-year-old back but he opted to sign a two-year, $5.5 million deal with his hometown Atlanta Falcons.
Instead, Carolina drafted Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard, hoping he can fill in as a reliable backup should McCaffrey miss any time again.
Davis only averaged 42.8 rushing yards per game but he had some big games before slowing down a bit as the season went on.
Hubbard brings more youth and the ability to cut outside of the backfield, but Davis had already proven he could be a reliable backup.
Next. From Christian McCaffrey to the rest, a look at the Panthers RBs in 2021. dark
The Panthers probably made the right decision letting Davis walk based on how much he got paid but it wouldn’t be surprising if they end up wishing he was still around to help spell McCaffrey.