Panthers Talk Extension With Kurt Coleman
Safety Kurt Coleman is apparently next on the docket for an extension with the Panthers, according to multiple reports.
One of the unsung, under-the-radar heroes of the Carolina Panthers 2015 defense was journeyman safety Kurt Coleman.
And the Panthers front office is reportedly beginning preliminary talks of an extension with the 28-year-old free safety, as reported by Jon Stout of WRAL in Charlotte, among other sources.
According to Stout and sources, representatives from both sides have been in contact since June in regards to a potential extension and that they’ll be looking to keep in touch as the offseason progresses.
The six year vet signed with Carolina last offseason to serve as an experienced depth option in the secondary but burst onto the scene and quickly secured a starting spot at free safety. From there Coleman proceeded to post the best year of his career as he totaled 90 tackles, seven interceptions, nine passes defensed and his first career sack.
Coleman was a key cog in the Panthers sixth ranked defense that allowed just 322.9 total yards per game and 234.5 passing yards per game, good for 11th in the league. They also gave up the sixth fewest points per game at 19.3 and Coleman’s seven interceptions were a major contributor to Carolina leading the league in interceptions (24), turnovers (39) and turnover differential (+20).
Coleman is currently in the final year of a two-year, $2.8 million deal with performance based incentives included that he achieved through playing time and interceptions; certainly a well-deserved bonus.
Heading into 2016, it would be a smart call for Dave Gettleman and company to try to work something out with the veteran safety to ensure his services for the long run. With the departure of seasoned vets like Roman Harper and Charles Tillman, and with the plethora of young players in the secondary it would be wise for Carolina to secure an experienced leader to help in their development.
The talks may be preliminary but it’s still a good sign for the Panthers to once again be looking to re-sign another one of their own key contributors like Coleman and is certainly a step in the right direction.