4 roster moves that backfired on the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers kept Jeremy Chinn at S
There remains a significant amount of debate among fans as to where Jeremy Chinn is best suited. Having the versatility to play almost anywhere is all well and good, but the Carolina Panthers must decide once and for all how to properly utilize the standout defender moving forward.
Chinn’s most impressive production came as an outside linebacker in 2020. The former second-round pick made countless big plays, scored touchdowns on successive snaps at the Minnesota Vikings, and was extremely unfortunate not to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year as a result of his efforts.
The Panthers shifted Chinn back to safety the following season, where he starred in college at Southern Illinois. However, his influence waned slightly and this was once again evident during the 2022 campaign.
While the do-it-all defender remains a core component of the team’s plans on defense, it might be worth switching him back to the second level permanently. This is the most productive way to maximize his skill set based on Chinn’s first three years in the NFL.
Chinn is heading into the final year of his rookie deal and could get extended this off-season. But those in power might also adopt a wait-and-see approach after a down season by his exceptionally high standards.