5 players whose time with the 2021 Panthers won’t be remembered
By Dean Jones
Rashaan Melvin – Carolina Panthers CB
The Carolina Panthers did a tremendous job of strengthening their cornerback options before and during the 2021 season. Jaycee Horn was the No. 8 overall selection and trades for Stephon Gilmore and C.J. Henderson turned a once concerning positional group into one of real strength.
Rashaan Melvin was also brought in as a depth chart piece and got more reps than anticipated thanks to Horn going down with a season-ending broken foot in Week 3 at the Houston Texans. The veteran played 40 percent of the team’s defensive snaps through 10 games and conceded a 93.6 passer rating when targeted.
The Northern Illinois product did have some nice moments. But the Panthers have enough in the way of young talent to compensate for such a loss during free agency providing Gilmore or Donte Jackson are extended.
Melvin isn’t getting any younger, so it remains to be seen what the future holds. Aside from two seasons with the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts, he’s been a rotational piece at best and when he does depart Carolina, it’s unlikely his time with the team will be remembered for too long.
Carolina’s cornerbacks got yet more encouraging news with the return of Steve Wilks, so the potential for great strides is definitely there next time around.