NFL free agency update: Panthers sign Da’Norris Searcy
The Carolina Panthers continue to fill their secondary by signing former Titans safety Da’Norris Searcy…
When the Carolina Panthers released starting safety and captain Kurt Coleman earlier in the offseason, it was evident General Manager Marty Hurney would need to make a move in order to replace him. After an initial wave of signings around the league, Carolina chose free agency for an immediate fix by signing Da’Norris Searcy, 29, after he was released from the Tennessee Titans in an effort to bolster the production from their defensive secondary.
The new two-year deal for the former University of North Carolina standout and Georgia native brings Searcy closer to home with an opportunity to earn a starting position. The former Titans safety played three seasons with Tennessee after spending his first four with the Buffalo Bills.
A fourth-round selection by the Bills in the 2011 NFL Draft, Searcy eventually worked his way into a starting role and has the same opportunity in Carolina. The Panthers now have six safeties on the roster but after the veteran Mike Adams, Searcy now has the most experience.
Recording at least one interception in all but his second year, Searcy played in all 16 games last season for the Titans. He has also been relatively healthy during his entire career with 14 games in 2016 the lowest number of appearances for the seven-year veteran.
Contract Details
The contract for Searcy is slated to be for two years, worth $5.7 million, with over half ($3.1 million) in the first year.
National Reaction
Searcy says he can be a veteran leader for Carolina. Sees himself as a starter. Cockrell says he can be a playmaker - prides himself on making plays on the ball.
— Max Henson (@maxhenson) March 23, 2018
Da'Norris Searcy returns to Carolina, finalizing a 2-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. #ProHeels #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/PcAuejUNNZ
— Taylor Vippolis (@tvippolis) March 23, 2018
Next: Offseason Roster Review - Offense
Grade
Even with the addition of Searcy, Carolina should still look at potential options for the safety position during the NFL Draft next month. Adams is 37 years old and Searcy will turn 30 during the season, indicating the need for a rookie who can either develop or make an immediate impact depending on when Hurney elects to target one in the draft.
The Panthers have done a good job of filling holes on the roster with players who have the potential to compete for starting roles while allowing them to draft without an immediate need. Searcy is another example of this strategy as he could potentially become a weekly starter, benefiting from coach Ron Rivera, his defense, and the play of those in front of him.
Grade: C+