Panthers balance sheet: Strong offseason leaves defense in the black
By Dean Jones
The potential improvers
One good thing about having such a young roster is the scope for improvement. The Carolina Panthers boast plenty of players that should all come on a significant amount in 2021 and beyond, which can only mean good things for their defense moving forward.
Individuals such as Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, and Jeremy Chinn all come into the upcoming campaign with Pro Bowl aspirations. The trio left a notable impression in 2020 and if the necessary improvements are made during the offseason, they are going to be incredibly hard to stop.
Moving Chinn back to safety is also telling. He’ll be seen more like a hybrid with the freedom to roam the field, but his presence on the backend could make a massive difference in the grand scheme of things.
Another player that is sure to benefit from the recent additions is Donte Jackson. The cornerback looked like a shutdown-caliber talent down the stretch once his toe problem was resolved. If the former LSU star makes further noise in a contract year alongside Jaycee Horn and A.J. Bouye, then a bumper payday is going to follow next spring.
Others capable of progress include Yetur Gross-Matos, Bravvion Roy, Sam Franklin, Troy Pride Jr., Marquis Haynes, and Jermaine Carter. Players that could become valuable pieces of the rotation.