Grading Panthers position groups on defense ahead of 2022 camp
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers OLBs
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers opted to let Haason Reddick walk in free agency for a relatively modest sum compared to what most dominant pass-rushers are making across the league. Others will have to step up in pursuit of replicating his production, which begins with the two veteran players set to start at the outside linebacker position in 2022.
Shaq Thompson now finds himself as one of the team’s longest-serving players. Although the 2015 Super Bowl run is now fully in his rearview mirror, the former first-round pick has adopted the leadership role well and performed to a high-level last season en route to yet another 100-tackle campaign.
Thompson will be counted on heavily next time around, which could be the last he spends with the franchise considering how much he’ll count against the cap in 2023.
Joining Thompson in the lineup is projected to be Frankie Luvu, who made the biggest of impressions as a rotational piece last season and there could be even more to come with additional responsibility following his well-deserved contract extension this spring.
Position Grade: B+
Carolina will also deploy the likes of Marquis Haynes, Brandon Smith, Amare Barno, and Cory Littleton on the edge when opportunities arise. But there is a quiet sense of optimism about the tandem of Thompson and Luvu if everything goes smoothly.