Once the Carolina Panthers decided not to re-sign veteran linebacker Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly unofficially accepted the responsibility as sole defensive captain. A role with which he is extremely familiar, 2019 will be the first full season where he plays without a veteran presence alongside. Now the indisputable cornerstone of a reconstructed Carolina defense, Kuechly is more than capable of accepting the position.
After suffering multiple concussions in the past few seasons, his long-term health remains an issue as the propensity of a repeat injury increases. Anytime Kuechly is on the field in non-game situations it has to be a worrisome endeavor for those who rely on him to be available each and every time the Panthers need a stop.