5 players winning their position battles at Panthers training camp
By Dean Jones
Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB
The arrival of Denzel Perryman in free agency from the Los Angeles Chargers posed some questions about where the Carolina Panthers were going to utilize Jermaine Carter. His production at inside linebacker was really encouraging in 2020 once he patched things up with head coach Matt Rhule, with his experience playing on the outside something else the coaching staff no doubt considered.
However, judging by the first few practices at training camp, Carter looks set to start on the interior despite the presence of Perryman on the roster.
According to multiple media sources in attendance, Carter has been taking the majority of first-team snaps on the inside, with Haason Reddick and Shaq Thompson occupying the outside linebacker positions.
This is a massive early boost for Carter as he heads into a contract year. If he can build on this momentum and prove to be a consistent presence, the former fifth-round pick could end up being the successor to perennial All-Pro Luke Kuechly long-term in Carolina.
It’s a good start from Carter. But what comes next is more important and having Perryman waiting in the wings should keep a huge sense of urgency in this particular position battle.