Carolina Panthers: Free agent safety option, Eric Berry
Free agent Eric Berry would have plenty of opportunities if he signed with the Carolina Panthers.
After nine seasons in the league, safety Eric Berry needs no introduction. The three time, first-team, All Pro selection also has five Pro Bowl nominations and was constructing a potential Hall of Fame resume until injuries derailed his past two seasons. Despite recent health issues, Berry should remain a candidate for the Carolina Panthers to join a relatively young secondary.
An Achilles injury and resulting bone spur limited Berry to just four games the last two years but if anyone can rebound it’s him. His 2014 season was shortened after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma but after undergoing treatment, Berry was able to return in 2015 and after easing back into his starting role earned Comeback Player of the Year.
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
Potentially able to claim the title again with a solid return, the Panthers would provide multiple opportunities for the veteran safety. General manager Marty Hurney has discussed adding youth to an aging roster but the 30-year old would not only have a chance to prove he can still play but also mentor some of the younger guys at his position. Other than Eric Reid, who is expected to start at one of the safety positions, Carolina has just one other player on the back end of their defense with more than a single year of experience – Colin Jones.
Berry could aid in the development of Rashaan Gaulden, who after the release of Da’Norris Searcy has been thrust into the spotlight. The Panthers could take a hard look at their group during this first phase of OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and determine if an answer is in fact on the roster – or elsewhere.
Hurney doesn’t have a lot of money with which to work but they have already targeted outside safety assistance and it may come down to how bad Berry wants to play. If he’s interested, taking a reduced salary or signing a one-year “prove it” deal, similar to offensive tackle Daryl Williams, could be a legitimate option.
Next. What to Watch For This Offseason. dark
Fellow lineman Trai Turner, for one, is a fan of the move and soon we may learn if the Panthers brass is as well.