Special Teams
Michael Palardy, P
During the decade, only Brad Nortman and Michael Palardy have any real case at earning this selection. Both punters have nearly identical punting averages, however, Palardy gets the nod for his ability to pin opponents inside the 20-yard line. On 229 punts since 2016, Palardy has landed 81 punts inside the twenty, and actually has a slightly better net average than Nortman. Also, prior to this season, Palardy had zero of his punts returned for touchdowns. It’s also worth mentioning that he converted Carolina’s first successful onside kick since 1998 earlier this season.
Colin Jones, ST
Although he has seen time at safety during his Panthers career, Colin Jones has been used almost exclusively as a special-teamer with Carolina. Jones has become a special teams ace with the Panthers, and because of that, he’s kept a job in the NFL for nearly a decade. His special teams prowess also led to his first career touchdown on a fumble recovery in the end zone last season against the Giants. On the defensive side of the ball, Jones has three career interceptions and 113 tackles for the Panthers. Thanks to his new contract, the lovable safety will be with Carolina through at least the end of next season.