Which Carolina Panthers players must earn a bigger role with the team this offseason if the organization wants to make real strides in 2022?
After the main period of recruitment has now concluded for the Carolina Panthers and others across the league, the task now falls on Matt Rhule and the coaching staff to mold this talented roster into one capable of making progress in 2022. Easier said than done, but there is plenty to like about the team’s chances if everything clicks into place.
A patient and methodical approach to signings in free agency and the draft were welcome for the Panthers. Something that enabled them to fill key holes and still have plenty of salary-cap space available for any further acquisitions depending on what opportunities present themselves.
Rhule is a man under pressure despite a public vote of confidence from team owner David Tepper. But there are no more excuses for the former Baylor man entering Year 3 of his head coaching stint in Carolina.
Without further ado, here are five Panthers players who must earn bigger roles with the organization ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Player No. 1
Brady Christensen – Carolina Panthers OL
The Carolina Panthers have a potential franchise left tackle after Ikem Ekwonu fell into their laps. However, there is a question surrounding Brady Christensen and what his future might be moving forward.
The Panthers are confident in his capabilities as a starter. But with Ekwonu now set to slot in on the blindside, the former BYU stud will likely compete for the starting job at left guard.
Christensen will need to beat out the likes of Pat Elflein, Deonte Brown, and Cam Erving for a bigger role. Something he is more than capable of providing the necessary adjustments take place under the guidance of offensive line coach James Campen.