4 Carolina Panthers with the most to lose over final 3 games of 2021
By Dean Jones
Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB
The Carolina Panthers made a big call during the offseason when the traded Denzel Perryman to the Las Vegas Raiders in training camp despite signing the linebacker in free agency. This was down in no small part to his vaccination status and their confidence in Jermaine Carter to build on a positive end to 2020.
At least on the face of things, this was a mistake. Perryman has thrived – and is now vaccinated – with the fomer Miami star earning Pro Bowl honors for his exceptional displays in the desert this season.
As for Carter, he hasn’t quite lived up to his billing.
Although there have been moments when he looks like the long-term successor to Luke Kuechly, something is missing overall regarding his production despite the defense making promising strides.
Carter is in the final year of his deal and how he gets on over the final three games could make all the difference in pursuit of a contract extension.
The energy is certainly there and the former fifth-round selection is also an influential figure within the locker room. But much will depend on the length of deal and the money demands when both parties head to the negotiating table.
Carter is still in control of his own destiny. But any regression might see the Panthers move on entirely.