4 biggest challenges facing the Carolina Panthers in 2020
By Dean Jones
Biggest challenges for Carolina Panthers: Secondary issues
Letting James Bradberry walk in free agency was a necessary evil for the Carolina Panthers given the money he eventually received from the New York Giants. But the cornerback’s departure leaves the franchise with more questions than answers regarding their current group.
Carolina’s decision-makers also let the likes of Eric Reid, Ross Cockrell, and Javien Elliott go from their secondary. And how the new group comes together in a reduced offseason program is going to be crucial to their overall fortunes.
The Panthers did manage to tie down Tre Boston to a three-year extension worth $18 million. He will be tasked with anchoring the backend alongside free-agent signing Juston Burris and draft picks Jeremy Chinn and XFL standout Kenny Robinson.
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Defensive coordinator Phil Snow also has the option of using the athletic Chinn as a slot cornerback. But whether this comes to fruition with the presence of another veteran cornerback remains to be seen.
Cornerback might be the projected weak link on defensive heading into the season. However, that will all change if Donte Jackson lives up to his billing. The player will now get a chance to make the No. 1 spot his own and has the necessary speed, fluidity, and cover skills to make the most out of this opportunity.
The team did make a move this week in free agency by bringing in cornerback Eli Apple. He is an experienced figure who started for the New Orleans Saints last season. So it will be interesting to see just how the player fits in as a short-term option.
Carolina also has fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr., Corn Elder, and Cole Smith fighting for positions within the rotation in 2020. If the Panthers’ secondary can get off to a good start, it could bode well for their chances to surprise.