6 Carolina Panthers players who’ve already earned a payday in 2022
By Dean Jones
Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB
Finding a long-term answer at middle linebacker was a difficult task for the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Luke Kuechly’s bombshell retirement shocked the organization to its core and after the coaching staff finally put Tahir Whitehead out of his misery, it was time to bring Jermaine Carter out of the fringes and into the lineup.
Carter was something of an enigma before that point.
The former fifth-round pick was used sparingly over his first couple of years in the league and didn’t exactly hit it off with Matt Rhule. But a strong end to 2020 and further progress during the offseason meant he was named the starter pretty early on.
Such was Carolina’s confidence in Carter, they traded Denzel Perryman to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Maryland product’s communication at the second level is improving all the time and he is clearly benefitting from the presence of Haason Reddick and Shaq Thompson alongside him.
It’s a mindset thing with Carter.
He’s never been short of confidence and grasped his opportunity with both hands – something the player deserves a great deal of credit for.
Carolina Panthers: 4 things Cam Newton must do to secure a contract extension for 2022. light. Must Read
There’s a lot of players wanting money in 2022. However, there is a good chance Carter gets himself a nice extension if he maintains or increases his level of performance over the next seven crucial contests.