4 underrated contributors for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which figures within the Carolina Panthers emerged as underrated contributions during a dramatic 2022 season?
There is some light at the end of the tunnel. That’s the biggest thing to take from another 2022 season of vast underachievement from the Carolina Panthers.
Getting off to a 1-5 start wasn’t ideal. Even though interim head coach Steve Wilks got Carolina within touching distance of winning the NFC South before faltering against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17.
Wilks might not be around to build on this newfound momentum if David Tepper swings for the fences. But he can walk away knowing the foundations have been laid for potential progress in 2023 and beyond.
Looking back, here are four underrated contributors from another eventful season for the Panthers in 2022.
Panther No. 1
Sam Franklin – Carolina Panthers DB/ST
Every contending team needs elite special teams production. While someone like Sam Franklin won’t ever impact the defensive rotation consistently, his performances in this key area were nothing short of outstanding.
Franklin’s explosiveness made a series of outstanding plays throughout the campaign. His hard work to become a special teams specialist paid off in the biggest way, which should come with a contract extension to prevent the one-time Temple star from leaving in free agency.