5 Carolina Panthers players with big shoes to fill in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players head into the 2021 season with big shoes to fill?
It was another active offseason for the Carolina Panthers. Player turnover was once again high and the organization is hoping this will lead to some improved production on the field when competitive action gets underway in 2021.
This is the second spring where comings and goings were plentiful. General manager Scott Fitterer joining the Panthers meant this came as no surprise and a more structured offseason program should enable these new arrivals to adjust more efficiently before things get a little more intense.
Plenty of established figures in Carolina have departed in recent years. Big changes such as this are always difficult to get your head around from a fan perspective, but the NFL is a ruthless business and a new regime was bound to come in with their own sets of ideas.
With this in mind, here are five Panthers players who go into the 2021 season with some big shoes to fill.
Player No. 1
DaQuan Jones – Carolina Panthers DT
- Shoes to fill – Kawann Short
Kawann Short barely played over his final two seasons on the Panthers and releasing the defensive tackle this offseason was one of the easier decisions to make before free agency. The former second-round pick is still looking for a new home, which will probably arrive once injury strikes on a certain team during training camp.
Whether DaQuan Jones can slot in alongside Derrick Brown and make a difference remains to be seen. The free-agent signing from the Tennessee Titans is a consistent performer who thrives against the run, which should complement what the former Auburn standout brings to the table.
This is a lofty goal for Jones to aim for. But he is experienced enough to make his presence felt right from the outset.