5 Carolina Panthers players to feel more confident about in 2021
By Dean Jones
Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB
Another player that heads into the 2021 season with plenty of confidence is Jermaine Carter. It wasn’t the easiest of transitions for the linebacker under head coach Matt Rhule, with the pair getting off to a rocky beginning to their relationship that saw the player become a non-factor over the first half of the campaign.
Carter was finally given more playing time when the Carolina Panthers admitted defeat with Tahir Whitehead. It wasn’t a coincidence that Phil Snow’s defense made improvements once this decision was made.
There is a good opportunity awaiting Carter next season.
He is the favorite to occupy the other outside linebacker position – which is where he prefers to play. If the former fifth-round pick can build on some positive momentum it could see his contract extended when competitive action comes to a conclusion.
What comes next is down to Carter. Playing on the final year of his deal should bring an extra sense of urgency and considering the options around him on the front seven, some improved numbers are not entirely out of the question.
It’ll be interesting to see how Carter evolves both at training camp and during the regular season. His long-term future in Carolina might just depend on it.