Many roster spots for the 2023 season on the Carolina Panthers' roster are secured. However, a few veterans could be fighting for their jobs both now and beyond the upcoming season.
Which Panthers are entering a make-or-break season this fall?
WR Laviska Shenault Jr.
Shenault is such an interesting player with an interesting skillset. He's built like a running back and has shown a limited route tree but he can do damage with the ball in his hands. I expect Frank Reich to back up his statement in regard to how they plan to utilize him, similar to Deebo Samuel. I'm just not a big believer in the numbers being there to warrant another contract. We'll see though. This is a big year for Shenault.
WR Shi Smith
Smith has two years remaining on his rookie contract but if he's not careful, he may not make it to Week 1 of this season. The addition of Damiere Byrd is in my opinion, direct competition for Smith for the final spot in the receiver room and given Byrd's experience, I believe he'll have the upper hand. If Smith impresses in training camp/preseason, it could convince Frank Reich to carry seven receivers.
LG Brady Christensen
Somewhat of a similar situation here for Christensen. Has two years left on his rookie deal and the Panthers brought in direct competition for him this offseason by drafting Chandler Zavala in the fourth round. Christensen should enter the season as the starter but another average year will put his starting job in danger. That said, I don't foresee Carolina cutting bait prior to the expiration of his rookie contract.
OLB Yetur Gross-Matos
Frank Reich and Ejiro Evero both mentioned that the adjustment from a 4-3 to a 3-4 would be a difficult transition for YGM. However, they come across as impressed from what they've seen thus far. Is that just coach speak to feed confidence into the former second-round choice? We'll see. I still have my doubts about Gross-Matos fitting in this scheme.
CB CJ Henderson
Henderson has moments where he looks like a legit CB2 but has way too many mishaps that make you wonder whether or not he should even be on the field. It's been a wild amount of inconsistency from Henderson since he arrived in Carolina and if he doesn't show any marks of improvement this fall, it will be his last with the organization.
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