The past season didn't end the way Carolina Panthers cornerback Bené Benwikere wanted, but the next one will start as he's hoped.

Head coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday Benwikere will have a shot to win the No. 2 role across from Josh Norman, who's expected to get the franchise tag by Tuesday afternoon's deadline.

Benwikere began each of his first two seasons as the No. 1 nickel until injuries gave him a chance on the outside, the position he prefers. As a rookie, that's where he started the final four regular-season games, plus the playoffs. This past season, Benwikere slid outside in Week 11 until he broke his leg four games later against Atlanta.

Rivera indicated the hope is Benwikere, like most guys, will thrive with a narrower focus.

"The plan with him is to keep him as a one-position guy," Rivera said during his media availability at the NFL combine. "I thought he did some really nice things when he's had an opportunity to play on the outside and we're going to see how he is when he gets back."

Benwikere, who was on a scooter until the end of January, is now out of his walking boot. He's not expected to participate fully in offseason workouts, but he should be full-go by training camp.

At 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, Benwikere doesn't have the size the Panthers typically like in their outside corners, but he makes up it with a 40.5 inch vertical.

"Would I like to have him be a 6-2 guy or 6-1 like Josh (Norman)? Yes," Rivera said last June. "But because he plays long — he’s got great leaping ability and long arms — I think he makes up for it."

Benwikere's move opens up a sizable hole in the slot. Cortland Finnegan was serviceable after coming out of semiretirement to replace Benwikere late last season, but Finnegan is a pending free agent and not an ideal solution.

Robert McClain, who like Finnegan went from unemployed to starter for the Panthers' stretch run, can play both inside and out. But the Panthers should be on the lookout for a free agent nickel in a market that will include guys like Green Bay's Casey Hayward and Cincinnati's Leon Hall.