4 Panthers players facing a make or break preparation period in 2022

Which Carolina Panthers are about to embark on a make-or-break 2022 preparation period in regards to their individual aspirations?

The time has come for the Carolina Panthers to finally strut their stuff on the practice field after another eventful offseason period. Plenty of transactions have taken place throughout the spring as those in power try and put the right sort of pieces in place, but what transpires over OTAs and training camp will likely decide which way things go in 2022.

Matt Rhule knows full well what’s at stake. The head coach needs to get the Panthers on an upward curve sooner rather than later, which could be entirely possible considering the talent and added depth across the board after some eye-catching arrivals via free agency and the draft.

There are one or two areas that could be upgraded between now and when Carolina takes the field in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns. But building the right foundations in Spartanburg is of critical importance.

With this in mind, here are four Panthers players who are entering a make-or-break preparation period before the real action begins.

Player No. 1

Darryl Johnson – Carolina Panthers DE

It’s easy to forget that the Carolina Panthers traded for Darryl Johnson last season. The defensive end found life difficult to carve out a role on the rotation, featuring in just three games and offering little in the way of production.

Johnson has a big task ahead of him this offseason. However, there is also a window of opportunity for the former seventh-round pick with star pass-rusher Haason Reddick now on the Philadelphia Eagles.

Others are clearly preferred heading into the preparation stage. But this is a challenge Johnson has to grasp with both hands and use to his advantage.