5 recent Carolina Panthers departures who were missed most in 2021
By Dean Jones
Dan Arnold – Former Carolina Panthers TE
There was something of a surprise when the Carolina Panthers traded for cornerback C.J. Henderson during the season. They were clearly big fans of the Florida product from his pre-draft analysis and although he hadn’t done much at the next level with the Jacksonville Jaguars, it is far too early in the player’s career to write him off entirely.
One key factor behind Henderson’s arrival was the Panthers giving up tight end Dan Arnold as part of the deal. The free-agent signing from the Arizona Cardinals formed a close bond with quarterback Sam Darnold and his presence was sorely missed by the signal-caller when the move was finalized.
Arnold didn’t put up major numbers in Jacksonville. However, shifting him to the Jaguars meant Darnold was without a dependable catching presence across the middle, which caused some obvious complications as the season went on.
Tommy Tremble flashed and there could be a bigger role for him to play in Year 2 of his professional career. But losing Arnold has a big impact on Darnold and given how much he struggled to develop chemistry with Robby Anderson and Terrace Marshall Jr., it hindered his ability to make the desired impression.
The veteran managed just 28 receptions for 324 receiving yards on the Jaguars. But this was a toxic situation to be joining and there might be more on the way next season with new head coach Doug Pederson at the helm.