5 Panthers players who could be one-and-done after 2021 season
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players could end up being one-and-done with the team once the 2021 season comes to a conclusion?
With the Carolina Panthers now out of playoff contention and another losing season confirmed at the Buffalo Bills last weekend, attention is slowly turning to what’s sure to be another immensely intriguing offseason for the franchise. Some major decisions await those in power from a personnel and recruitment standpoint, with team owner David Tepper also under the microscope regarding the future of head coach Matt Rhule.
Tepper has to be getting tired of overseeing an unsuccessful product. This is the fourth straight losing campaign since the billionaire bought the Panthers from Jerry Richardson, and judging by what we’ve seen so far this season it might be some time before Carolina becomes a legitimate Super Bowl challenger.
What comes next during free agency, the 2022 NFL Draft, and in the trade market is going to be of critical importance. And the Panthers cannot afford any more lapses of judgment when it comes to recruitment.
Some current roster members will also be nervously looking over their shoulders this spring. Here are five Panthers players who could be one-and-done after 2021.
Player No. 1
Michael Jordan – Carolina Panthers OG
- 2022 cap hit – $965,000
It was an encouraging start from Michael Jordan when he was installed as a starter by the Carolina Panthers. But things have regressed in recent weeks and considering the makeover needed on the offensive line, they might decide to cut their losses and go in a different direction.
Jordan is young and could develop further, so keeping him around cannot be ruled out. However, it doesn’t appear as if he can be relied upon consistently from a starting role and this critical area of the field cannot be ignored any longer.
There are far worse options than Jordan on Carolina’s protection. But many of these could also be on the chopping block this offseason.