6 potential replacements for Panthers LB Jermaine Carter in 2022
By Dean Jones
Who could become intriguing options if the Carolina Panthers decided to move on from linebacker Jermaine Carter in 2022 free agency?
With the 2021 season mercifully in the rearview mirror, the Carolina Panthers are now turning their attention to what promises to be a fascinating offseason. Big decisions need to be made in terms of finding the right recruits to strengthen the team in 2022, and it remains to be seen whether those in power have enough financial resources to keep some established figures around.
One player facing an uncertain future is Jermaine Carter. The former Maryland star was named the starter at middle linebacker in training camp, but some inconsistent displays throughout the campaign make it touch and go whether the Panthers will extend him this spring.
Carter’s been a rotational presence before this season and didn’t get off to the best of starts with head coach Matt Rhule. Finding a long-term successor to Luke Kuechly has been a difficult task – something the Panthers have to prioritize this offseason one way or another.
With this in mind, here are six potential replacements Carolina should consider if they decide to let Carter walk in free agency.
Replacement No. 1
Shaq Thompson – Carolina Panthers OLB
One way the Carolina Panthers could replace Jermaine Carter is by keeping things in-house and making some slight adjustments to the defensive lineup. Slotting Shaq Thompson onto the interior and switching Jeremy Chinn back to the outside linebacker spot he starred as a rookie would be highly beneficial providing the team can reach an agreement with stud edge defender Haason Reddick.
A linebacker trio of Thompson, Chinn, and Reddick represents an intriguing proposition. Something that would provide leadership and explosiveness across the second level if the Panthers went in this particular direction.
There is the small matter of Thompson’s cap hit to consider, which stands at $18.26 million. But considering the year he put together, Carolina should restructure rather than remove the Washington product from the equation.