4 position battles to watch in Carolina Panthers 2022 training camp
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers LS1
- J.J. Jansen vs. Thomas Fletcher
I know we joke about the infamous call to Thomas Fletcher ahead of his selection. However, this is actually a serious battle in training camp with repercussions on roster’s overall outlook.
J.J. Jansen, who is the Carolina Panthers’ longest-tenured player, has been on the team since 2009 and been the starter since arriving at the franchise.
The former Alabama long-snapper was unable to beat out the veteran ahead of the 2021 season. If not for the hip injury he suffered in preseason, Fletcher would likely have been cut.
Jansen was given a one-year contract extension after another supremely consistent campaign in 2022. Perhaps underlying the lack of confidence the coaching staff has in Fletcher.
It’s imperative that Fletcher beats out Jansen at camp. Otherwise, the player Carolina took four places before the Kansas City Chiefs selected guard Trey Smith will be removed from the equation entirely.
New special teams coordinator Chris Tabor will take the opportunity to take a look at both players. If he wins the job as expected, Jansen will be back for his 14th season with the franchise.
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