5 players trending up early at Carolina Panthers 2021 training camp

Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB

Jermaine Carter and Matt Rhule might have gotten off on the wrong foot this time last year. But that is now water under the bridge as the linebacker looks to become a defensive lynchpin in 2021.

There was plenty of speculation surrounding where Carter would be utilized by the Carolina Panthers next season. His production at inside linebacker was encouraging after the coaching staff finally gave up on Tahir Whitehead, but the arrival of Denzel Perryman in free agency had some predicting the former fifth-round pick would revert back to an outside position.

Judging by early indications, that might not be the case.

According to multiple reports from those in attendance, Carter has been taking the majority of reps on the interior, with Shaq Thompson and Haason Reddick occupying the edge.

This is a huge opportunity for Carter, who is heading into the final year of his deal. If he can keep Perryman out of the starting lineup and produce the goods consistently, then the Panthers would be wise to reward him accordingly next spring.

There is still a long way to go and Carolina might change things around by the time Week 1 comes along. But the position might be Carter’s to lose at the moment.