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Panthers cornerback CJ Henderson says he's motivated by contract snub

profilephotocropby:Suzanne Halliburton•07/29/23•

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Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback CJ Henderson really does need to prove himself this season with the Panthers. He’ll need the highlights to command a bigger paycheck. Plus, no one wants the label of draft bust.

Back in May, Carolina declined to pick up the fifth-year option on Henderson’s original rookie contract. It means that after this season, Henderson is a free agent. He really needs to open some eyes. And he acknowledged that during a media session after Saturday’s practice.

“Just prove to myself I can stay consistent and work at the things I need to work on,” Henderson said of his training camp goals. “It’s contract year, it’s big for me. They declined the fifth, but it’s not the end of the world. Keep working and moving forward.”

The Panthers weren’t his original team. Rather, the Jacksonville Jaguars went with Henderson, selecting him with the ninth pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. It made all sorts of sense to draft Henderson, considering that he grew up in Miami and played three seasons for the Florida Gators. So the Jags kept the local kid in state.

The Panthers declined to pick up CJ Henderson’s fifth-year option of his rookie contract. He’s trying to prove himself in what could be his money year. (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)

Panthers traded for Henderson early in 2021

Henderson was the second cornerback off the draft board. He followed Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah, who the Lions picked at No. 3. Coincidentally, Okudah isn’t with the Lions anymore. Detroit traded him to the Falcons for a fifth-round pick this past off season. And Okudah probably can be described as a draft bust since he ended last season on the bench.

The Panthers traded for Henderson in September, 2021. The Jaguars received a third-round pick and tight end Dan Arnold for Henderson and a fifth round selection. Henderson has been a solid player for the Panthers. He registered a career high 58 tackles in 2022. But he has yet to live up to top 10 draft choice. That’s always a high bar.

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And, Henderson can use it as motivation. He still has time to play like a top 10 kind of player.

“Yeah, there’s an edge to me,” he told reporters. “A different edge. Ya know, that feeling. So, yeah, that’s definitely gonna help.”

Although training camp is only a few days old, Henderson is impressing his coaches. He made an interception in 11-on-11 drills, Saturday. That’s his second one in camp.

Frank Reich, the new Panthers head coach, complimented both Henderson and cornerback Keith Taylor.

“They made a couple really nice plays,” Reich said. “I’m really happy with the playmaking that I’ve seen out here in this first block.”