NFL fee agency update: Panthers sign Bashaud Breeland
The Carolina Panthers look to improve their secondary by signing former fourth-round pick Bashaud Breeland…
When the Carolina Panthers traded starting cornerback Daryl Worley earlier in the week, it was evident General Manager Marty Hurney would need to make a move either in free agency or during the draft to replace him. Carolina chose the former by signing Bashaud Breeland, 26, away from the Washington Redskins in an effort to bolster the production from their defensive secondary.
The new three-year deal for the former Clemson University standout and South Carolina native brings Breeland closer to home without seeing his playing time diminish. Expected to start opposite James Bradberry in the Panthers secondary, Breeland should continue his high level of play.
Recording at least one interception in each of his first four seasons, Breeland returned one 96-yards for a touchdown last year. He also has been relatively healthy for his entire career, appearing in at least 14 games during each of his four seasons in Washington.
Contract Details
The contract for Breeland is slated to be for three years, worth $24 million and will have almost half ($11 million) in guarantees.
National Reaction
The #Panthers are getting a terrific No. 2 CB in Bashaud Breeland. He's physical, has ball skills and he can cover. Needs to clean up inconsistencies. Will grow up and mature on and off field. I'd bet on his skills.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) March 13, 2018
Just got off the phone with CB Bashaud Breeland. He told me he intends to sign a 3-year deal with the #Panthers because, "he's looking forward to going home, having a change of scenery and stepping into that leader role."
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 13, 2018
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Grade
Carolina drafted three cornerbacks a few years ago following the departure of Josh Norman and have since been attempting to regain an outside presence. Fortunately, Bradberry has performed well and despite the struggles of Worley and fellow corner Kevon Seymour, both were improving. However, barring a significant spike in production, neither would have given them the same production that will be expected of Breeland.
A four-year veteran, Breeland has proven to be a consistent starter in the league and having played opposite Norman in Washington, was targeted frequently. He defended 19 passes last season and boasted the eighth best completion rate (47.8 percent) against him in coverage.
Grade: B+