4 Panthers players facing a fight for contract extensions in 2023
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players are facing a fight for contract extensions once the current 2022 campaign comes to a conclusion?
Seven games remain for the Carolina Panthers to gain some semblance of respectability from the 2022 season. However, fans already have more than half an eye on what promises to be another dramatic offseason period for the organization.
Big changes are clearly afoot with the prospect of a new head coach coming into the fold. This will have severe ramifications on the Panthers’ short and long-term future, their recruitment process next spring, and whether those remaining on the roster will stick around amid a fresh set of ideas.
Of course, Steve Wilks is making a big-time claim for the job beyond 2022, which would help current players looking for an extended stay. But many are facing an uncertain future right now and this added sense of urgency must come with improved performance levels as a result.
With this in mind, here are four Panthers players facing a fight for contract extensions in 2023.
Player No. 1
Daviyon Nixon – Carolina Panthers DT
More than a few eyebrows were raised when the Carolina Panthers waived Daviyon Nixon earlier this season. The defensive tackle was brought back onto the practice squad and ultimately returned to the 53-man roster, but his future remains in doubt given his lack of involvement in recent weeks.
Nixon flashed promise as a rookie before his season was cut short due to injury. Perhaps he’s lost a step since then, so it’ll be interesting to see if the Panthers give him additional reps with relatively little to play for down the stretch.
When or if Nixon sees the field, he must impress. Otherwise, the former Iowa standout could be looking for alternative employment.