4 Carolina Panthers who could contemplate retirement in 2022
By Dean Jones
J.J. Jansen – Carolina Panthers LS
The writing appeared on the wall for J.J. Jansen in 2021 after the Carolina Panthers spent a sixth-round selection on Thomas Fletcher – a promising long-snapper out of Alabama. This left the team’s longest-serving stalwart facing an uncertain future, but a strong performance in training camp left no doubt as to his status on the 53-man roster.
Jansen has been a model of consistency for the Panthers once again this season – his 13th with the franchise. The Notre Dame product has yet to miss a game during his professional career, but at 35 years old he might decide to hang up his cleats this spring.
This is a situation Carolina was expecting at some stage judging by the decision to pass on some intriguing prospects in favor of Fletcher. Although the recent college recruit spent the 2021 campaign in the injured/reserve list, there remains some hope he can fill the void long-term.
Jansen is one of the last remaining players that represent the old guard. He was around during Carolina’s glory years in the mid-2010s and is highly respected among his peers and within the locker room.
Walking away at this stage is something Jansen will no doubt consider. Whether the Panthers opting to move forward with Fletcher or not sways his decision in some way remains to be seen.