5 Carolina Panthers players who need a monster offseason in 2022

C.J. Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB

Trading a third-round pick and tight end Dan Arnold to the Jacksonville Jaguars for cornerback C.J. Henderson was another bold move by the Carolina Panthers. The former first-round pick certainly has bundles of athletic assets to call upon, but things just haven’t gone according to plan at the next level following a sensational college career with the Florida Gators.

Henderson was brought along gradually by the Panthers in 2021. When he did see the field, the player flashed moments of quality but also showed similar frailties both in coverage and tackling in the open field.

Carolina acquired Henderson with the long game in mind. But it’s hard to look at his current predicament and not think this is going to be an offseason of immense importance for the player.

If either Stephon Gilmore and Donte Jackson don’t come back before free agency, then there will be increased responsibility on Henderson’s shoulders. Something he needs to be ready for in Year 3 of his professional career.

Focus is the big element to consider here. Henderson was criticized for perhaps not being fully committed in Jacksonville, which will obviously not fly with the Panthers and if this doesn’t improve, then his chances of forging a successful NFL career will be bleak.

Should Henderson become a little more committed, then Carolina might just have a real player on their hands.