4 Panthers players who have a chance to make All-Pro in 2021
By Jason Huber
Which Carolina Panthers players have the potential to possibly earn All-Pro honors during the 2021 season?
Besides winning MVP, being named to the All-Pro team is arguably one of the top honors an NFL player can receive following a season.
While the All-Pro team isn’t an official NFL honor, it’s a prestigious recognition and only 18 Carolina Panthers players have achieved this notable distinction in the team’s 26-year history.
With the amount of roster turnover the Panthers have gone through over the last five years, running back Christian McCaffrey is the only current All-Pro player on the roster. He’s also the last player to earn the honor, being named to the first team in 2019 following his historic 1,000-1,000 season.
Linebacker Luke Kuechly is by far the most decorated Carolina player when it comes to being named an All-Pro. He was named to the first team five times, most recently in 2018.
In comparison, defensive end Julius Peppers and Steve Smith were All-Pros just twice during their time with the Panthers, showing how difficult it is to be named one of the 22 or more players on the team.
Kuechly is now retired, former MVP Cam Newton is two years removed from playing in Carolina and Smith hung up his cleats a long time ago.
With the number of young players on this Panthers roster, McCaffrey and long snapper J.J. Jansen, who is in a position battle this offseason, are the only two former Pro Bowlers Carolina has.
Fortunately, having so many young players means the chance for players to breakout is high. Here is a look at four players who could receive the esteemed All-Pro honor this year.