CJ Henderson Reacts to Fifth-Year Option Being Declined

Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer made the decision earlier this offseason to decline the fifth-year option on cornerback CJ Henderson's contract. Due to his inconsistent play in not only his time in Carolina but in Jacksonville as well, it didn't come as a big surprise.

However, the move did put things into perspective for the former first-round pick who described his reaction to the declined option.

"That it was a make-or-break year. I got to go out and earn mine and my back is against the wall. I feel like that's when I do my best. There's an edge to me. A different edge."

Henderson has had a pretty strong start to camp albeit three days. But it's a start.

When you look up and down the Panthers' roster, you could make an argument that Henderson is the one guy the team needs the most to turn things up a notch. Jaycee Horn and Donte Jackson have dealt with their fair share of injuries over the years and if one of them happens to go down again, they need Henderson to play with more consistency and at a much higher level than he put on display in 2022.

Henderson was acquired in 2020 in a trade with Jacksonville that sent tight end Dan Arnold and a third-round pick out. The Panthers also received a fifth-round selection in that deal.

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