When Luke Kuechly announced his retirement in a video in the middle of January, it punched a hole in the heart of the Panthers’ defense. Linebackers of Kuechly’s caliber usually only come along once every generation. Considering he was also an invaluable leader on the field and in the locker room, it makes replacing him especially difficult.
The team recently signed former Lions and Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead, who should at least be able to help fill that void a little bit. However, there’s no guarantee that he will take over Kuechly’s old role as middle linebacker. According to David Newton at ESPN, the team hasn’t told him where he will play yet.
Tahir Whitehead has played some MLB in the past but the Panthers have not told him where he will play. Carolina lost Pro Bowler Luke Kuechly and there are assumptions he will be a candidate in the middle. https://t.co/1CZNtymzJ0
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) March 30, 2020
Whitehead does has experience playing the MLB spot. However, the Panthers also have a younger candidate to take over that position.
The question for head coach Matt Rhule is one of youth vs. experience. He might feel Whitehead would do a better job running his defense in 2020. After all, Whitehead has started 87 games in his career compared to 61 for Shaq Thompson.
On the other hand, Thompson (who recently signed a four-year extension) will eventually inherit that role. Delaying the move another season might hinder Thompson’s development as the leader/captain/playcaller of the defense.
The team seems to be walking a fine line between “rebuilding” and “retooling” this year. This decision will be another clue as to which way the front office is leaning.
His position has yet to be determined, but it sounds like he won’t be taking Kuechly’s No. 59, which he has worn his entire career so far. Whitehead told reporters he’s not too attached to the number and understands the situation.
Whitehead said he isn't too attached to the number 59, which he's worn his whole career, and understands it was Kuechly's number. "I'm not really too hung up on the number."
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) March 30, 2020
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