3 Panthers role players fighting for contract extensions in 2022

Rashard Higgins – Carolina Panthers WR

Nobody was happier to see the Carolina Panthers land Baker Mayfield than Rashard Higgins. The duo developed some nice chemistry from their time together on the Cleveland Browns and if this transitions into a different environment, it’s going to help them and the team considerably.

Higgins was a low-risk, high-reward pickup by the Panthers this offseason. Things didn’t go well for the wide receiver in 2021 en route to 275 receiving yards and one touchdown from just 24 receptions, but he does have the skills to become a dependable presence with a strong showing in training camp.

The former fifth-round pick has a head start on others looking to stake a claim thanks to his previous relationship with Mayfield. But the jury is still out as to whether or not he can do enough to carve out a prominent role for himself in the coming months.

Carolina’s pass-catchers didn’t exactly set the NFL alight last time out if D.J. Moore’s exceptional contribution is removed from the equation. Robbie Anderson and Terrace Marshall Jr. could be ahead of Higgins on the depth chart, but it has the scope to change in the blink of an eye depending on what transpires in training camp and the preseason.

Should Higgins secure a generous share of targets and take advantage of every opportunity, then it would be wise of the Panthers to offer him a new deal.