4 players the Carolina Panthers should ‘wait and see’ on new deals

Jeremy Chinn – Carolina Panthers S

There is a real conundrum facing the Carolina Panthers where Jeremy Chinn is concerned. The player’s athletic attributes are simply not in question, it’s how best to maximize these traits that remains a cause of great debate among the team’s fanbase.

Chinn’s been solid if not spectacular over the last two years since switching to the safety position. But fans haven’t forgotten the phenomenal impact made by the one-time Southern Illinois star at outside linebacker as a rookie.

Considering big changes could be coming to the second level this offseason, reverting Chinn back to the linebacking corps should be considered. This would give the Panthers an explosive outside tandem after Frankie Luvu took another monumental leap forward in 2022.

Where Chinn is deployed has financial ramifications, too. And with just one year remaining on his rookie contract, it won’t be much longer before Carolina decides and pays the player accordingly.

Chinn is a core piece of Carolina’s young defense. But considering how financial wiggle room is at a premium this offseason, waiting until 2024 to get a deal done is something to consider.

Again, this might cost Carolina more in the grand scheme of things. Especially if Chinn takes the league by storm working with a new defensive coordinator, whoever that’s going to be.