5 Panthers who could be playing their last game for Carolina in Week 18
By Dean Jones
Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB
Finding a successor for a legendary figure such as Luke Kuechly was always going to be a stiff challenge for the Carolina Panthers. The Boston College product was the heart and soul on defense from the moment he arrived and his shock retirement after the 2019 season was a body blow to Matt Rhule and the new regime’s chances of making a big-time impact early on.
Jermaine Carter was tasked with filling the gaping void in 2021, with the coaching staff declaring him the starter in training camp and trading free-agent signing Denzel Perryman to the Las Vegas Raiders for a late-round pick.
In hindsight, that was a mistake.
Even if Perryman didn’t fit the type of mold Rhule was looking for in a character sense.
Carter has been serviceable this season without ever turning in a mind-blowing performance. The former Maryland star currently has 82 tackles, three quarterback hits, one pass defended, four tackles for loss, six pressures, and 13 missed tackles in 2021 – modest production that’s reflected in a lowly 47.5 grade from Pro Football Focus.
The fifth-round pick in 2018 is out of contract this spring. Much will depend on the money Carter is commanding, but if the Panthers decide that he’s not worth whatever he’s asking for during negotiations, Sunday’s game could be his last in Carolina.