4 players the Carolina Panthers should ‘wait and see’ on new deals
By Dean Jones
Laviska Shenault Jr. – Carolina Panthers WR
Another trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars saw Laviska Shenault Jr. come to the Carolina Panthers. Although the do-it-all wide receiver has flashed promise, the jury is still out as to whether or not he’s deserving of a bigger role.
Shenault’s physicality and ability to generate yards after the catch caught the eye on occasion. Opportunities were limited within the Panthers’ run-first system, but there is potential for this to change under Frank Reich.
This is a big season for Shenault. It’s the last of his rookie deal and he won’t want to go into any contract negotiations as a relative afterthought.
Perhaps production can increase with a full offseason to fully adjust. But it’s hard to say one way or another based on Shenault’s current sample size in Carolina.
That’s why waiting to see if Shenault emerges as a focal point is wise rather than giving the wideout a new deal this spring. This could cost the Panthers more money down the line, but risking cash that could be better spent elsewhere is something else to factor into the equation.
What comes next is down to Shenault. But it is far too soon to be writing off the former second-round selection out of Colorado just yet.