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.
C.J. Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB
Once considered a position of strength, there is some real uncertainty surrounding the cornerback room with Stephon Gilmore and Donte Jackson both out of contract. The Carolina Panthers also took the decision to release Pro Bowler A.J. Bouye one year ahead of time to leave almost no true NFL experience within the unit.
Although the remaining players do have lost of potential, the Panthers need them to grow up quickly. This bears even more significance when it comes to C.J. Henderson, who was acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars last season.
Henderson took his time to settle before gaining meaningful reps. There were elements of good and bad to his production, so the jury is still out as to whether he can lock down one side of the field effectively opposite Jaycee Horn.
Again, the Panthers might look to add another veteran if they cannot work something out with either Jackson or Gilmore. But the front office placed a huge amount of faith in Henderson to start living up to his promise – something he has yet to do so far.
Henderson was a first-round pick who was criticized for his lack of commitment in Jacksonville. Something that won’t fly with additional responsibility on his shoulders.
Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DL
With Haason Reddick and Morgan Fox no longer around, the Carolina Panthers need to find someone that can generate pressure anywhere across the line of scrimmage. These moves could indicate a supreme amount of confidence in Yetur Gross-Matos, a former second-round pick out of Penn State who made his presence felt as the season went on in 2021.
Gross-Matos is an explosive individual that spent some successful time working as a three-technique on the interior. Of course, he can also work the edge that the Panthers will need in a big way after deciding not to match Reddick’s offer from the Philadelphia Eagles.
This provided a great amount of hope that Gross-Matos can truly come of age in Year 3 of his professional career. Something that will be a necessity if Brian Burns ends up going to the Houston Texans as part of their trade to potentially acquire Deshaun Watson.
With six sacks, 52 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, and 19 pressures throughout his career so far, it’s hard to look at Gross-Matos and not suggest he couldn’t become a prominent figure on and off the field at an important stage of his career.
These are big shoes to fill, obviously. But it is a challenge Gross-Matos is sure to relish and who knows, this could see the player finally emerge as a productive NFL starter at just the right time for Carolina.
Frankie Luvu – Carolina Panthers OLB
Although there have been some notable players leaving the Carolina Panthers, the organization made a brilliant move by extending Frankie Luvu to a two-year deal. The outside linebacker was an absolute sensation following his free-agent arrival from the New York Jets and with Haason Reddick no longer around, there appears to be a clear path for the Washington State product to earn a starting job.
Luvu was a high-impact player on defense and special teams last season, so tying him down was a no-brainer. He might not come with the devastating pass-rushing traits of Reddick, but the energetic player has a knack for being around the football consistently and was a big play waiting to happen in 2021.
It’s a fantastic story where Luvu is concerned. There were some who questioned whether or not the player would even make the team when he was signed, but he quickly established himself as a key piece on the depth chart and performed well above expectations.
This is Luvu’s big chance to shine. Carolina will need others to step up and make a contribution, but they also need more from a player who will count $3.48 million against the salary cap in 2022.
Luvu has infectious enthusiasm and playmaking prowess in equal measure. Hopefully, he can build on this positive momentum from an expected starting role next time around.