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Panthers: Da’Norris Searcy could be starting free safety

By Danny Jaillet

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 6: Da'Norris Searcy #21 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at Nissan Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 6: Da'Norris Searcy #21 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at Nissan Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers may have found their starting free safety….

It appears an offseason acquisition by general manager Marty Hurney may be paying dividends for the Carolina Panthers. Da’Norris Searcy, who was signed by the team back in March appears to be in a prime position to win the starting free safety job as he has made his mark there during OTAs.

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Friday, Bill Voth of Panthers.com conducted his weekly “Grill Bill” question and answer session on the Panthers website. A question asked was how rookie Rashaan Gaulden and Searcy were looking at safety.

"What I can tell you is Da’Norris Searcy is taking the vast majority of reps at free safety, and as he told me the other day, that’s his gig “until somebody tells me different.”"

Searcy played the strong safety position for the Tennessee Titans last season. He appeared in 16 games, starting six of them and recorded 12 tackles, an interception, and two pass deflections.

Although it may seem like Searcy may be making the statement out of pride, the notion that he could be the starting safety come Week 1 is very plausible. Mike Adams is the top safety at the position per the most recent depth chart from OurLads.com, but he is getting older. At age 37, Adams is perhaps too old to be a full-time starter anymore. Searcy at age 29 has the potential to be more athletic and versatile.

This could work out very well for the Carolina Panthers. Adams could serve as a mentor to Searcy and be able to teach him the tricks of the trade. A two-time Pro Bowler. Adams knows the position and knows what he is doing.

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It will be interesting to see if Searcy’s claim holds any validity. Given the age of Adams and Searcy’s skillset, I would not be surprised if it does. However, in the National Football League, anything can happen.

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