5 Carolina Panthers players who’ll outperform their pay grade in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players could outperform their current contracts with another strong campaign in 2021?
It was a tough time financially for NFL teams this offseason. A reduced salary-cap thanks to COVID-19 revenue losses threw a big wrench into preparations across the league, which resulted in plenty of sacrifices and players accepting short-term deals with a view to cashing in next spring when things look more promising.
The Carolina Panthers were not exempt from this. Cap manager Samir Suleiman did a remarkable job along with other front office personnel in strengthening the roster with limited resources available, with the organization also having $25 million remaining to make an additional move if they wish.
Plenty of current players are on team friendly deals. Something that comes with the territory when one considers Carolina still have the youngest squad in the NFL.
With this in mind, here are five Panthers players who will outperform their pay grade during the 2021 season.
Player No. 1
Jeremy Chinn – Carolina Panthers S
- 2021 cap hit – $1.19 million
- 2022 cap hit – $1.42 million
Although Jeremy Chinn’s professional career is still in its infancy, the 2020 second-round pick already looks like a star in the making. The Panthers made a shrewd move in the draft to acquire the Southern Illinois standout, who should thrive moving back to the safety position next season.
If Chinn makes further strides in the coming months, then it’s clear his contract is vastly underpaying the player. He still has three years remaining on his rookie deal, so it’s unlikely Carolina will be offering him an extension before the end of 2022.
Money isn’t Chinn’s biggest worry, in all honesty. He knows a big deal is sure to come in time, so being the best player at the position is a more ambitious goal for the player to aim for.