5 Panthers who’ve blown away expectations at the 2021 midseason point

Haason Reddick – Carolina Panthers OLB

There was a quiet sense of intrigue surrounding what Haason Reddick could potentially bring to the Carolina Panthers. The outside linebacker chose to reunite with his former college coach Matt Rhule in free agency after gaining 12.5 sacks for the Arizona Cardinals, something that’s paid off in a big way through the first half of the season.

Reddick has been an absolute revelation for the Panthers, providing a consistent presence generating pressure, and more than holding his own when it comes to running defense. He already looks to have dispelled the myth that the former first-round pick was a one-season wonder and could be set for a bumper payday next spring if things continue in a similar fashion.

There is little doubt that Reddick has outshone Brian Burns so far. Although the pair are benefitting enormously from one another on opposite ends of the line.

The Panthers have to keep Reddick around beyond this season. Judging by what we’ve seen through nine games, that’s not going to be cheap.

However, stud pass-rushers are hard to find in the NFL. Ones with Reddick’s influence and consistency are even rarer and this makes re-signing him this offseason a top priority where Carolina is concerned.