6 major gambles the Carolina Panthers are clearly going to make in 2022
By Dean Jones
What major gambles do the Carolina Panthers appear like they are going to make based on the activity during the offseason period so far?
There are jobs on the line and not much leeway for the Carolina Panthers next season. Another campaign of mediocrity or worse will simply not be tolerated by fans or team owner David Tepper, who gave head coach Matt Rhule one more opportunity to repay his faith after many were calling for the former Baylor man to be removed from his duties following a dismal end to the previous campaign that saw them lose 12 of their final 14 contests.
Free agency has been a wild ride for the Panthers so far, with attentions now slightly turning to pro days up and down the country ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. Carolina has made some nice additions within problem positional groups, even if there are two glaring holes that remain at quarterback and just who is going to protect the blindside when competitive fixtures resume once again.
It’s time for the Panthers to put up or shut up. And this has clearly led to the organization making the odd calculated risk along the way.
With this in mind, here are six major gambles the Panthers are clearly going to make in 2022.
Major Gamble No. 1
Carolina Panthers are gambling on C.J. Henderson’s potential
Even though Donte Jackson signed a new three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, the expected departure of All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore means that now is the time that C.J. Henderson must start realizing his potential. The former first-round pick was acquired last season from the Jacksonville Jaguars, flashing on occasions while also going through some significant struggles in a different environment.
General manager Scott Fitterer has previously stated that the move for Henderson was with the future in mind. Getting Jaycee Horn back should help an untold amount, but the Florida product also needs to make more of an impact during the upcoming campaign.
Regardless of what potential Henderson has, this is still a significant gamble. One that could really go either way at this juncture.