4 free-agent cornerbacks the Panthers should consider
By Dean Jones
Darqueze Dennard
Darqueze Dennard may have had his troubles with injuries during his time in the NFL. But the former first-round pick still has plenty to offer and is arguably the best free-agent option remaining.
He performed well for the Cincinnati Bengals in the slot last season. Whether Dennard wants to make this position a specialist option or not remains to be seen.
Much was expected of the player when he was taken 24th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. After playing a bit-part role during his rookie campaign, Dennard appeared in just ten games the following year thanks to a series of niggles.
Dennard’s breakout season came in 2017 with 85 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, six pass deflections, and a touchdown. But problems staying healthy reared their ugly head once again in both 2018 and 2019
If Dennard can rid himself of his injury problems, then there is plenty to like about his chances of a bounce-back year. Whether the Carolina Panthers are going to be willing to go in this direction regarding a player who has trouble putting a consistent run of games together remains to be seen.
They do need some help at cornerback to aid the transition of Troy Pride Jr., Jeremy Chinn, and Kenny Robinson in the secondary. Dennard has the scope to be a day one starter and take some of the pressure off their fourth-rounder from Notre Dame.