5 Carolina Panthers who’ve likely played their last snap with the team

Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB

Much like the situation with Ian Thomas, there was an unbelievable opportunity for Jermaine Carter to succeed a Carolina Panthers legend. After Tahir Whitehead failed to become anything like the answer in 2020, the former Maryland standout won the starting job right out of the gate in training camp, which was a significant confidence boost and something that saw the team trade Denzel Perryman to the Las Vegas Raiders.

In terms of personnel moves made by the Panthers in 2021, this was one of the worst. Carter didn’t do enough to secure the gig moving forward and Perryman will be competing in his first Pro Bowl after a phenomenal campaign.

This was a major error by the Panthers. One that could lead to their third starting middle linebacker in as many years since Kuechly shockingly decided to call it a day for health concerns.

What Carolina would do to have Kuechly back in his prime on this talented young defense. That simply won’t happen, so getting a player capable of solidifying the second level long-term is the only way this ongoing complication is going to resolve.

Much will depend on the money Carter is demanding after playing out the final year of his deal. But based on his level of production during the campaign, moving in a different direction could be the best possible solution for all parties.