Panthers depth chart: Pre-camp 53-man roster projection for 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers depth chart: Linebackers
- Denzel Perryman, Shaq Thompson, Jermaine Carter, Frankie Luvu, Christian Miller.
Finding an immediate successor for Luke Kuechly was a riddle the Carolina Panthers just didn’t manage to solve last season. Tahir Whitehead’s struggles were well documented and considering how quickly the front office addressed this area in free agency, it was among their top priorities.
Denzel Perryman seems like the perfect fit on Phil Snow’s defense. He is aggressive, athletic, and instinctive in equal measure, catching the eye considerably for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020.
Providing his injury problems are a thing of the past, this could be the signing of the offseason.
Shaq Thompson and Jermaine Carter are slotted to start on the outside, although it will be a fluid situation depending on the situation. Not a bad situation for Snow to be in considering how his options constricted him last season.
Both are fighting for their futures to a certain extent, which could provide the sense of urgency needed to solidify the second level.
Outside of the starting trio, there doesn’t appear to be much on the Panthers depth chart in terms of quality. Frankie Luvu is an energetic presence who could make the roster, with Christian Miller’s return from opting out also something that might just boost Carolina’s options.