4 impending Panthers free agents who haven’t helped themselves in 2022
By Dean Jones
Juston Burris – Carolina Panthers S
Much like the situation with Sean Chandler, veteran Juston Burris getting a one-year extension was somewhat surprising. The safety performed relatively well when tasked with starting responsibilities after joining in 2020 free agency, but health was a major concern and the Carolina Panthers were right to find additional assistance in the form of Xavier Woods from the Minnesota Vikings.
This relegated Burris to a backup role. But an opening came for the North Carolina State product when Jeremy Chinn went to injured/reserve.
Burris looked decent in coverage, but positional sense against the run was a problem and he hasn’t been seen on the field since Carolina’s heartbreaking loss in Week 8 at the Atlanta Falcons.
The growing emergence of Sam Franklin and Chinn’s return means opportunities could be limited for Burris down the stretch. One could point the finger at other factors contributing to his lack of involvement, but the player’s consistency just hasn’t been good enough to count on.
A new coaching regime comes with a different set of ideas, which could leave Burris on the outside looking in next spring. Even if Wilks stays around as head coach in 2023, he’ll likely want to acquire players that fit his mold rather than those the respected figure inherited from previous head coach Matt Rhule.