4 players the Carolina Panthers will miss most in 2020
By Dean Jones
James Bradberry – (Former Carolina Panthers CB)
The Carolina Panthers were dealt a big blow when James Bradberry opted to depart in free agency. The cornerback did not last long on the market and he leaves a huge void in the secondary.
Bradberry eventually penned a three-year, $43.5 million deal with the New York Giants that included $31.98 million guaranteed. The Panthers were never going to match this sort of financial commitment given their salary cap constraints. And they will now be forced to move on with players who have little starting experience.
The former second-round pick out of Samford was targeted 80 times in 2019, giving up 47 receptions and securing three interceptions. He was one of the bright spots on an otherwise disappointing defense. And Bradberry instantly boosts a Giants’ secondary that also went through its fair share of struggles in 2019.
Carolina will now move forward with Donte Jackson as their No. 1 option. And there is real hope within the organization that he can thrive with the extra responsibility.
The franchise also drafted former Notre Dame speedster Troy Pride Jr., who comes with a tremendous amount of upside providing he is given time to develop. This has been made possible with the free-agent addition of Eli Apple last week.
Although Bradberry is going to be a significant loss. It was something that was almost inevitable and the Panthers have planned accordingly.