4 Panthers players that must step up after defensive departures
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players must step up after a number of key defensive departures during the early stages of the legal tampering period?
The Carolina Panthers lost some key defensive pieces by choice and during the legal tampering period’s early stages on Monday. While those in power began preparing for their meeting with Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, other teams across the league were strengthening their rosters with big-name signings within positional groups of significant need to send some serious trepidation amongst the fanbase on social media.
Haason Reddick left for a homecoming opportunity with the Philadelphia Eagles on a deal that comes with $30 million fully guaranteed and could be worth as much as $49.5 million. This is a substantial blow to the Panthers‘ pass-rush and if Brian Burns is included in any deal for Watson, Phil Snow’s edge defenders will be almost non-existent unless reinforcements are found.
Not only this, but Carolina also took some additional cost-cutting measures by releasing A.J. Bouye and Morgan Fox, saving close to $7 million. Money that will be needed if Watson does eventually waive his no-trade clause.
With this in mind, here are four Panthers players that must step up following these early defensive losses.
Player No. 1
Daviyon Nixon – Carolina Panthers DT
With Morgan Fox leaving a hole on the defensive front and the possibility of DaQuan Jones also taking his chances elsewhere, the Carolina Panthers need Daviyon Nixon to make some huge strides during his sophomore season. The former fifth-round pick looked like a player of real promise before the defensive tackle’s campaign ended early through injury, so there is a lot to like about his chances moving forward.
Nixon proved that his character concerns coming out of Iowa were obsolete and managed to generate pressure well from a limited role. This will surely lead to bigger and better things for the future and the Panthers absolutely require this unless additional players are brought in.
Even if Carolina does make a signing or two, Nixon’s familiarity with the scheme coupled with his scope for further growth makes him a player to watch closely in 2022.