3 Panthers role players fighting for contract extensions in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers role players are fighting for an extended stay with the franchise during the upcoming 2022 season?
It’s hard to picture big changes not occurring across the Carolina Panthers if things continue the way they have been of late. There hasn’t been much for the fanbase to cheer and although morale remains high within the locker room, the same cannot be said for those watching from the stands after years of misery under previous and current regimes.
The Panthers have everything in place to make progress in 2022. Problem positions were given the right priority this offseason and the acquisition of quarterback Baker Mayfield from the Cleveland Browns only adds to the sense of anticipation surrounding this talented young group.
With a week to go until the Panthers descend on Spartanburg for their annual training camp, we’ll soon find out which players on the fringes have enough in their locker to force their way into the team’s plans and perhaps even earn an extended stay beyond the upcoming campaign.
On this subject, we picked out three Panthers role players capable of securing contract extensions when the time comes in 2023.
Player No. 1
Cory Littleton – Carolina Panthers LB
Much has been made about the Carolina Panthers failing to find the right solution within their linebacker corps following Luke Kuechly’s retirement. Cory Littleton‘s arrival in free agency could assist, but nobody knows for sure just what the former Pro Bowler’s role will be next season.
Littleton had a down year with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 despite attaining 98 tackles. But his prowess in coverage could be of use to the Panthers in an area they struggled last time around.
Providing there is no further regression from the Washington product and his reunion with college teammate Shaq Thompson goes well, Littleton could do enough for another deal when it’s all said and done.