Carolina Panthers final 53-man roster projection for 2021 season
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers LBs (6)
- Shaq Thompson, Jermaine Carter, Haason Reddick, Frankie Luvu, Julian Stanford, Josh Bynes.
Big changes were coming to the linebacker room this offseason with life in the immediate aftermath of Luke Kuechly’s retirement proving difficult for a young roster who were all finding their feet at the same time.
It’s been an eventful offseason of turnover in this area of the field. Denzel Perryman arrived during free agency but has already been traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, with Jermaine Carter deservedly getting the starting duties at inside linebacker after a strong end to 2020 and growing influence throughout the preparation period.
Shaq Thompson and Haason Reddick will start at the outside linebacker positions alongside Carter, which should be a productive trio capable of making their presence felt in 2021.
The rise to prominence of Frankie Luvu during the offseason guarantees not only a roster spot, but the player is also going to be a key part of the rotation for good measure.
Julian Stanford’s ability on special teams could see him earn a roster position for the second-straight year. The final spot – if they go with six – might come down to who takes preference between Clay Johnston and veteran Josh Bynes.
There isn’t much to split the two, although Bynes does have more in the way of starting NFL experience that could be needed.