4 Carolina Panthers fighting for their futures down the 2021 stretch
By Dean Jones
Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB
Giving Jermaine Carter the starting gig at middle linebacker despite the free-agent acquisition of Denzel Perryman was another early judgment by the Carolina Panthers. This is something the former Maryland product earned after failing to hit things off right away with head coach Matt Rhule in 2020, and there was real hope he could solidify an area that’s never been the same since Luke Kuechly hung up his cleats.
The Panthers even traded Perryman to the Las Vegas Raiders for a seventh-round pick. That’s how confident they were in Carter producing the goods.
Although there have been some nice moments, his level of performance overall hasn’t been up to the required standard. Carter offers nothing in coverage and should do better against the run, something that’s reflected in his 44.3 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2021.
There is a lot riding on the last four games for Carter, who is out of contract next spring and needs to finish on a high to earn an extended stay in Carolina or suitors from elsewhere if both parties decide to go their separate ways.
Carter is a passionate motivator that flashes real quality at times. But money is tighter than anticipated for the Panthers and if he’s asking for too much, then the prospect of his departure cannot be ruled out entirely.