4 players the Carolina Panthers should ‘wait and see’ on new deals
By Dean Jones
C.J. Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB
When the Carolina Panthers lost Jaycee Horn to a broken wrist in Week 16, it was a body blow to their hopes of clinching an unlikely playoff berth. It was also an opportunity for C.J. Henderson to prove beyond all doubt he could become a true shutdown cornerback.
It was a challenge Henderson couldn’t accomplish. His inability to successfully cover either Mike Evans or Chris Godwin put pay to any hopes Carolina had of securing the NFC South, which added to the notion he might never live up to being the No. 9 overall selection in 2020.
Henderson had his moments last season, there’s no denying that. Consistency remains an issue and against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers specifically, confidence was another glaring factor in poor performance.
Just where the Panthers go with Henderson at this juncture remains unclear. Frank Reich will have his thoughts upon examining the film, but the prospect of further reinforcements across the secondary cannot be ruled out via free agency or the draft.
Perhaps the long road back to full health for Donte Jackson gives Henderson a reprieve. However, picking up his fifth-year option or even extending the player this offseason is a non-starter based on how he’s fared since a high-profile trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars.