5 players who will make or break the Carolina Panthers season in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players have the potential to make or break the team’s chances of progression in 2021?
The Carolina Panthers will be counting on almost every single member of their 53-man roster in 2021. This is a young, dynamic group capable of great things if everything clicks into place right away. But things are definitely on a knife-edge regarding their chances of immediate success.
This was always going to be a work in progress for the Panthers. Matt Rhule came in and was handed a clean slate in terms of roster building, which received a substantial boost when Marty Hurney was fired and replaced by new general manager Scott Fitterer.
That being said, another season of mediocrity and a losing record will pile on the pressure. Carolina’s fanbase is growing weary when it comes to cheering losing football and the longer it goes on, the biggest frustrations become.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at five Panthers players with the potential to make or break their 2021 season.
Player No. 1
Haason Reddick – Carolina Panthers DE/OLB
Although Hasson Reddick is coming to the Panthers riding on the crest of a wave following a career year with the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, there are plenty who think his production last time around was nothing more than a flash in the pan.
Carolina gave Reddick a one-year deal to prove this is not the case. Reuniting with his former college coach Matt Rhule should also help, but the Panthers are counting on the player to provide consistent pressure opposite stud defensive end Brian Burns.
If Reddick manages to do this and puts up the necessary numbers, he’ll be more than worthy of receiving a lucrative extension either in Carolina or somewhere else in 2022.
Failure to meet these targets will have a detrimental impact on Reddick’s chances of getting the money he wants. It is also going to hamper the Panthers considerably in the process.