5 Carolina Panthers who’ve exceeded expectations at the bye week
By Dean Jones
Haason Reddick – Carolina Panthers OLB
What a signing this was by the Carolina Panthers.
Haason Reddick has been an absolute revelation on defense since agreeing to link back up with his former college coach Matt Rhule in free agency. The outside linebacker is a ferocious force flying off the edge and has already proven his 12.5 sacks for the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 weren’t just a flash in the pan.
Simply put, Reddick has made himself some serious money this season after betting on himself by signing a one-year deal in an uncertain financial climate across the league. And make no mistake, the Panthers should be willing to pay whatever it costs to keep him on the books.
Through 12 games of the 2021 season, Reddick has already accumulated 10.5 sacks, 54 tackles, two forced fumbles, 12 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, and 27 pressures. Although there was some real hope the Temple product would thrive in Phil Snow’s system, he’s surpassed expectations and more so far.
The Panthers have some big decisions to make regarding contract extensions this offseason. But keeping Reddick around for the foreseeable future should be among their highest priorities.
Exceptional pass-rushers don’t grow on trees. The Panthers should take that into account when deciding on Reddick’s future this spring.