5 Carolina Panthers on the hot seat at Saints in Week 18

Which Carolina Panthers find themselves on the hot seat during their regular-season finale at the New Orleans Saints in Week 18?

There is not much left for the Carolina Panthers to play for in 2022. Last weekend’s morale-sapping loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended what slim hopes remained for playoff football, which has left many fans looking forward to what’s sure to be another dramatic offseason for the organization.

Interim head coach Steve Wilks is keen to keep everyone focused in pursuit of finishing strongly at the New Orleans Saints in Week 18. Easier said than done, probably, but this will be another indicator of how his methods are being received within the locker room.

Winning at the Caesars Superdome comes with big-time draft implications. But with many players and coaches fighting for their own futures, leaving one final good impression is absolutely essential.

With that being said, here are five Panthers who find themselves on the hot seat during their 2022 regular-season finale.

Panther No. 1

C.J. Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB

After C.J. Henderson was torched almost from start to finish against Chris Godwin and Mike Evans last time out, fresh doubts surfaced about what his future with the Carolina Panthers could look like beyond 2022. The cornerback wasn’t too keen on speaking with the media after this inept showing, so a big performance is needed before important decisions are made in readiness for the 2023 campaign.

Henderson has the talent, it’s putting it together consistently that’s the biggest issue. The former first-round pick might never reach the heights expected coming out of Florida, but a scenario could emerge where Carolina goes in a completely different direction with another poor effort to finish the season.