Cat Crave
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Eric Weddle a target opposite the Carolina Panthers new direction

By Brandon Scott

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 27: Free Safety Eric Weddle #32 of the Baltimore Ravens walks off the field during warms up prior to the game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 27: Free Safety Eric Weddle #32 of the Baltimore Ravens walks off the field during warms up prior to the game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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Could Eric Weddle sign with the Carolina Panthers this offseason?

Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney has a variety of different needs to address this offseason. There are vacancies on both the offensive and defensive lines, in addition to other positions of concern on the defense – including safety.

The release of Mike Adams opened the door for a starting role opposite Eric Reid, who Carolina recently signed to an extension, but there are few options available on the current roster in which the team could rely immediately. Targeting a starting caliber free agent would help a Panthers secondary that continues to be a concern.

Last season Da’Norris Searcy was placed on Injured Reserve after two games and rookie Rashaan Gaulden didn’t ever officially register a start. Colin Jones has been a perennial backup and special teams contributor but never atop the depth chart.

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Eric Weddle would fit nicely into the back end of the Panthers secondary and has worked with coach Ron Rivera before. After being drafted in the second-round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Weddle joined a San Diego Chargers team with Rivera serving as linebackers coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator for the next three seasons, until he arrived Carolina.

Weddle is a two-time, first-team All Pro selection and garnered his sixth Pro Bowl nomination, including third consecutive, last year. He’s received high praise from teammates and Rivera himself called Weddle one of his favorites.

A resume full of accolades that seemingly makes Weddle a perfect fit for the Panthers – except, he’s on the opposite end of their current direction. Carolina has made a concerted effort to get younger on both sides of the football and Weddle, 34, can’t help there.

Already this offseason, Ryan Kalil and Julius Peppers have retired. Veteran linebacker and captain Thomas Davis was told he wouldn’t be re-signed and the team released Adams as four of the team’s five oldest players have left.

Weddle would immediately assume the role of eldest member on the roster, being two months older than tight end Greg Olsen. After shocking Davis with news of his need to explore free agency, signing Weddle would also come as a surprise.

Next. Free Agent WR Options. dark

Although for the right price, it may be a pleasant one.

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