4 Panthers veterans who could lose job status to a rookie in 2022
By Dean Jones
87. . LB. Carolina Panthers. DAMIEN WILSON. 2. player
Damien Wilson – Carolina Panthers LB
The status of Damien Wilson remains clouded following his recent arrest. Those in power within the Carolina Panthers are waiting to see what information comes from the incident, which could have implications on the player’s future after joining the team in free agency this spring.
Wilson has some flaws – especially in coverage – but he is easily the best interior linebacker Carolina has right now after the organization allowed Jermaine Carter to leave in free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, that might not be the case for much longer.
The Panthers traded up into the fourth-round for Brandon Smith, a supremely athletic second-level defender out of Penn State who could become a dominant force once he gets the benefit of NFL coaching.
When one looks at Smith’s physical attributes, it’s hard to see why he didn’t become more dominant in college. The player clearly has a lot to learn, but a starting opportunity might be within reach providing he picks things up quickly.
Carolina plans to utilize Smith in a variety of ways while he gets other areas of his game up to speed. Something that should also increase Wilson’s urgency depending on how his current predicament concludes.