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Carolina Panthers add undrafted free agent safety

By Brandon Scott

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Myles Gaskin #9 of the Washington Huskies is tackled by Corrion Ballard #15 of the Utah Utes during the Pac 12 Championship game at Levi's Stadium on November 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Myles Gaskin #9 of the Washington Huskies is tackled by Corrion Ballard #15 of the Utah Utes during the Pac 12 Championship game at Levi's Stadium on November 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers add post NFL Draft safety to compete for a position.

Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney has been patiently re-constructing the roster for next season. After losing a few veterans to retirement and failing to re-sign others, Carolina essentially entered the offseason needing to replace six starters – three on each side of the football.

Free agent acquisitions helped to fill some of the vacancies but the defensive secondary remained a question mark. Hurney elected to not offer 38-year old Mike Adams a new contract, despite his contributions at the safety position. The Panthers took a risk on Eric Reid last season after injuries forced their hand, but his play generated a contract extension and secured one of the two safety positions for the 2019 season.

Carolina initially started Da’Norris Searcy opposite Adams last season but repetitive concussions led to his placement on the injured reserve list early in the year. Apparently, the Panthers are confident in his ability to rebound and contribute, believing the answer to their other safety position is already on the roster.

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Armed with seven draft picks, Hurney chose to not target a safety, instead picking players at other positions of need and a quarterback. As those who went undrafted began to receive offers, Utah safety Corrion Ballard was reported as signing with the Panthers.

Ballard initially attended Blinn College in Texas, where quarterback Cam Newton won a NJCAA National Football Championship in 2009, before transferring to Utah and earning honorable mention All-Conference recognition as a senior. In two years with the Utes, Ballard registered 116 tackles and three interceptions playing opposite second-round draft pick Marquise Blair – a new member of the Seattle Seahawks.

The Panthers addition spent time playing both the free and strong safety positions, joining a crowded piece of the roster but one with no definite starter. Competing with Searcy, Rashaan Gaulden, Colin Jones, Damian Parms, Cole Luke and Kai Nacua to play opposite Reid, summer workouts, training camp and the preseason offer plenty of opportunities to impress.

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A late addition by some analysis, how the backend of the Panthers defense shapes up as the season approaches will be a key area to watch.

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