Should the Carolina Panthers re-sign Ross Cockrell?

Should the Carolina Panthers re-sign Cockrell?

Outside of Donte Jackson and incoming rookie Troy Pride Jr., the lack of depth at cornerback for the Carolina Panthers remains a concern. It is essential they bring in a veteran presence to ease the transition of younger players and give the franchise another dependable presence on the rotation.

Ross Cockrell knows the Panthers inside-out from his two-year spell with the organization. While the coaching staff may be different, there is no telling just how much having someone there who knows what the fanbase demands will be for the early development of recruits such as Pride Jr. and seventh-round pick Stantley Thomas-Oliver.

This wouldn’t come with much financial commitment from the Panthers’ perspective, which is welcome. They aren’t in a position to offer big money due to salary cap constraints and if Cockrell can be brought in on the cheap, it represents an enticing option.

Head coach Matt Rhule has also stated his desire to use second-rounder Jeremy Chinn as a possible slot corner. But the Southern Illinois standout struggles on the outside and this is an area that Cockrell can cover efficiently while the rookies get used to the rigors of the NFL.

There is nothing to suggest that Cockrell is showing any signs of regression and he is still in his prime at 28-years-old. This might only be a short-term option for both parties but one that definitely warrants consideration if the price is right.

Cockrell was one of the bright spots in an otherwise lackluster campaign from the Panthers’ defense in 2019. With plenty of exciting prospects coming in next term, a composed figure such as him might well be worth bringing back.