5 free agents the Panthers missed out on in 2020

Mackensie Alexander – CB

Mackensie Alexander has improved his skills considerably since arriving in the league in 2016. He grew in stature and he became a trusted figure on Mike Zimmer’s impressive defense with the Minnesota Vikings.

It was somewhat surprising to see the player accept a one-year $4 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, with many predicting Alexander to command much more than this in free agency.

The 26-year-old has his best seasons ahead of him and there is even a case to be made for him improving further with more experience. His ceiling is still very high and although he has developed the title of a slot cornerback specialist. It is clear this is something Alexander wants to dispel going forward.

Despite missing the final stages of the 2019 season through injury, Alexander has stayed relatively healthy throughout his four-year career to date barring ending his rookie campaign on injured reserve. He would have been an intriguing prospect for the Carolina Panthers on the deal he eventually took with the Bengals.

This is especially evident when you consider cornerback James Bradberry signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the New York Giants. It has left the organization dangerously short of experience at the position and reinforcements are going to be needed if they are to become unlikely contenders in the pass-happy NFC South.