Panthers offseason roster review: Defense
Safety
Mike Adams, Da’Norris Searcy, Colin Jones, Demetrious Cox, Dezmen Southward, Damian Parms
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Carolina somewhat surprisingly released captain Kurt Coleman after he revived his career with the Panthers. In order to free up cap space, Hurney elected to part ways with the veteran despite the apparent lack of depth at the position.
Depending on his production, the Searcy signing could be viewed as one of the best this offseason if he produces. However, the Panthers are likely to target a safety early in the draft who can compete for an immediate starting position alongside Adams.
Jones played more than expected last season but remains a good backup and special teams contributor instead of an NFL starter. Under former coach and coordinator Steve Wilks, the Panthers safety position was interchangeable most of the time and it will be interesting to see if Washington and new defensive backs coach Curtis Fuller employ a similar strategy.
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Hurney has done a nice job of adding players who should compete for playing time at almost every position where someone was lost but the continued rebuilding of Carolina’s secondary remains an issue.