3 free-agent cornerbacks that could compete in camp
By Dean Jones
General manager Marty Hurney has secured another veteran cornerback, but could he bring in another to compete at training camp?
General manager Marty Hurney got his hands on a free-agent cornerback as the next piece in his puzzle with the Carolina Panthers. With little resources available financially, they managed to secure the services of former first-round pick Eli Apple, who spent last season with the New Orleans Saints.
The organization could still bring in another veteran to fight for a spot on the 53-man roster during camp. This might be easier said than done in the current climate. And their asking price would be a contributing factor after giving Apple $3 million on a one-year deal.
There is little doubt the franchise was in desperate need of veteran help at the position, something they managed to boost this week. The Panthers lost James Bradberry to the New York Giants during free agency in a big-money deal that they were never going to match.
This has left the Panthers with Donte Jackson as their No. 1 option. And the quartet of Apple, Corn Elder, Cole Smith, and fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr. fighting for the other starting spot. Given the strength of passing offenses in the NFL South and on the Panthers’ schedule in 2020. It might be worth exploring the option of another player coming in to try and raise competitiveness before the season opener.
Speaking on WFZN Radio on Wednesday, Hurney indicated that “cornerback is next” on his list ahead of a potential minicamp next month. Apple arrived soon after. But the general manager did not clarify whether he was looking for one individual or a couple of different options.
One problem the Panthers have is their severe lack of salary cap space. The franchise has little to work with after signing Apple and No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown to his fully guaranteed rookie deal. He remains the only draft selection to sign so far. And following their latest free-agent acquisition it is now going to take some maneuvering to get them all signed to contracts.
A veteran with a point to prove was the best way to go. And healthy competition in camp could only be a good thing ahead of the new campaign. Here are three veteran free-agents that Hurney should consider bringing in to possibly fight for a place on the 53-man roster.