5 Panthers players with emerging importance after free-agent moves

CJ Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB

Considering that the Carolina Panthers brought back Donte Jackson and will be getting Jaycee Horn into the lineup after the stud rookie missed 14 games due to a broken foot, putting CJ Henderson on this list might be strange. However, the organization looks set to lose Stephon Gilmore to another willing suitor in the not-too-distant future, which piles more pressure on the former Florida standout to finally start reaching his lofty pre-draft potential.

Henderson’s career hasn’t gone according to plan as yet. But the Panthers clearly saw something in the 2020 first-round selection, giving up a third-rounder and tight end Dan Arnold to secure his services last season.

The cornerback was brought on gradually by the coaching staff as expected. Henderson did struggle at times when installed into the lineup, but there were also some encouraging moments that Carolina hopes can turn into something more down the line.

This is the most important campaign of Henderson’s professional career by a considerable margin. If he fails to deliver on his enormous promise once again, then it will cast even more doubt on the player’s chances of carving out a prominent role for himself.

Carolina has two nice security blankets for Henderson in Horn and Jackson, who should be the outside starting duo. The Panthers are also hoping Keith Taylor Jr. builds on a promising first season in the league and there is the return of Troy Pride Jr. to factor into their thoughts, too.