4 role players the Carolina Panthers should consider extending
By Dean Jones
Marquis Haynes – Carolina Panthers DE/OLB
In the time Marquis Haynes was on the field last season, he showed enough to potentially make him part of the rotation moving forward.
His ability to generate pressure was something the Carolina Panthers desperately needed and even though some significant reinforcements were acquired this offseason to improve this area of the field, the talent is there for all to see.
Haynes might never be a starting-caliber defensive end or outside linebacker. But that doesn’t mean he cannot be a vital cog in what Carolina is trying to build.
Many players throughout history have made an extremely successful living just being rotational guys. What matters most for Haynes is how he performs when called upon.
The former Ole Miss prospect turned out in 34 percent of Carolina’s defensive snaps in 2020 and recorded four sacks, five quarterback hits, and 10 pressures. If Haynes can keep this up on the final year of his contract, then the Panthers would be wise to give the player a deserved extension.
Fighting for playing time will be the biggest challenge Haynes faces this offseason. But as long as he takes last season’s momentum and uses it in a positive fashion, then some notable reps are sure to come once again.