What exactly do the Carolina Panthers have at LB in 2021?
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers LBs facing make-or-break seasons
- Shaq Thompson, Jermaine Carter.
Two projected starters at linebacker have a lot on the line in 2021. Both Shaq Thompson and Jermaine Carter are fighting for their respective futures to a certain extent, which might just provide enough urgency to see their influence grow as a result.
Thompson missed Luke Kuechly’s presence on the roster more than anybody. Although he went over 100 tackles for the second straight year, the former first-round pick’s overall level of performance was not what anybody expected.
The Carolina Panthers opted to restructure Thompson’s contract rather than cut him loose. This gives the Washington product one final chance to become the player everyone expected coming out of college and having a stable figure in Denzel Perryman occupying the interior is something that can work to his advantage.
Carter’s situation is a fascinating one.
The player was on the outside looking in for the first half of 2020 after a clash of opinions with head coach Matt Rhule. But his production when finally given an opportunity left more than one reason to be encouraged.
This is a solid foundation from which to build for Carter, who is heading into the final year of his rookie deal. If the ex-Maryland star can become an even bigger part of the puzzle in 2021, then the Panthers would be wise to keep him on the books.