4 Carolina Panthers players set for bigger roles after 2022 offseason

Which Carolina Panthers players could be set for bigger roles after a frenzied period of activity during the 2022 offseason?

Things certainly haven’t been dull for the Carolina Panthers this offseason. There might be some twists and turns regarding recruitment still to come, but it’s been an encouraging period overall thanks to a slight shift that has relied heavily on patience and striking with conviction.

Whether this amounts to any progress on the field is another matter. The pressure is definitely on to demonstrate some signs of life in Year 3 under Matt Rhule, so what transpires on the practice field during training camp and in the preseason could prove crucial with a tough-looking schedule on the horizon.

Speculation surrounding Rhule’s future will always be there until he starts winning. But the Panthers must not let this ongoing cloud prevent them from doing what’s needed before Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns.

Without further ado, here are four Panthers players who look set for bigger roles after an extremely busy period of activity this offseason.

Player No. 1

CJ Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB

Although the Carolina Panthers kept Donte Jackson around on a three-year extension, losing All-Pro Stephon Gilmore is a blow that means more is expected from CJ Henderson in 2022.

The former first-round pick needs to finally start living up to his potential after some inconsistencies and little involvement so far. But this is far from a guarantee and especially considering the presence of Jaycee Horn and Keith Taylor Jr. could limit his reps.

Henderson has to show the right commitment, integrate himself quickly into the rotation, and become more dependable. If the Florida product can do this, then a potential breakout campaign might not be too far behind.