Carolina Panthers make contract decision on former Florida DB CJ Henderson

Former Florida DB CJ Henderson was a top-10 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but his professional career has not gone as planned. The Carolina Panthers have reportedly decided to pick up the 5th-year option on Henderson’s contract.

NFL teams make the fifth-year option decision ahead of Year 4. Henderson remains with Carolina – at least for now. The 2023 season will be a “prove it” year for Henderson, as he’ll be looking for a new contract with the Panthers or another team for 2024.

Henderson was an All-SEC selection for all 3 seasons of his Florida career. He made the second team in 2017 and ’18 before finishing his career with first-team recognition. The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Henderson No. 9 overall in 2020.

As a rookie, Henderson played in just 8 games for the Jaguars, missing time with a groin injury. Jacksonville traded Henderson to Carolina during the 2021 season, his second year in the league.

Last season, Henderson played in 17 games, recording 58 tackles and 6 passes defended, including 2 interceptions.

Panthers decline CJ Henderson's fifth-year option. https://t.co/xka7wIMO4J

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 1, 2023

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.