7 Carolina Panthers players entering the last chance saloon in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players could be entering the last chance saloon when they take the field at training camp in 2021?
The stakes are certainly getting higher for the Carolina Panthers as head coach Matt Rhule looks to make the necessary improvements in Year 2 under his leadership. Those in power within the organization cannot be accused of sitting on their hands this spring to strengthen the roster, which could become one of the NFL’s surprise packages if everything goes right.
Having a lot of young, exciting talent is one thing. Putting it all together when it matters is something else entirely.
It’s going to be a training camp of significant importance for the Panthers, who are returning to Wofford College in Spartanburg and also have three preseason games to further assist their preparations before competitive action gets underway.
There is substantial pressure on some in the coming weeks and when things get more serious. Here are seven Panthers players entering the last chance saloon in 2021.
Player No. 1
A.J. Bouye – Carolina Panthers CB
The addition of A.J. Bouye could be a shrewd bit of business by the Panthers, providing the player puts a bad season with the Denver Broncos behind him and returns to the form of old.
He won’t be available for the first two games of the 2021 season due to suspension. Bouye was a Pro Bowler during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it’s worth remembering that cornerbacks do tend to fall off a cliff pretty quickly when it comes to performance.
Having two athletic players in Jaycee Horn and Donte Jackson alongside Bouye should help. But if the veteran continues to regress, then he could end up being a weak link if other youngsters aren’t ready to step up.
This doesn’t go unnoticed by teams across the league. They know how long a corner’s shelf-life is and Bouye could be on his final chance to prove he still has something left in the tank.