4 bold predictions for remainder of Panthers’ offseason

The Carolina Panthers will sign a veteran cornerback

While there is real hope within the Carolina Panthers that fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr. can start from the outset. There is real uncertainty surrounding the position after the departures of James Bradberry and Ross Cockrell in free agency.

Donte Jackson will emerge as the No. 1 option and should make strides with more responsibility. However, this is not a given and things could still not progress as expected despite the player’s talent.

Pride Jr. looks set to learn on the job given the relative lack of other options available. Corn Elder and Cole Luke could contribute in some way. But more will probably be needed in the pass-happy NFC South that is loaded with electrifying receivers.

If the Carolina Panthers can sign a veteran on the cheap before their season opener, the better their chances will be. If they wait until the final week before competitive action, free-agent players might be willing to take less. And there is also the prospect of certain cornerbacks of interest elsewhere getting cut by another franchise as they finalize their 53-man rosters.

This would only be a short-term deal while Pride Jr. gets up to speed. And there is every chance the Notre Dame speedster can become a productive starter later on in the campaign. However, there is no telling what confidence knock it would be if he were exposed early in his professional career in the ruthless world of the NFL.

Bringing in an experienced player would take some of the early heat off, which becomes more prominent when one considers the shortened offseason incoming rookies are currently dealing with.