Carolina Panthers: 3 trade targets from the Cincinnati Bengals
By Dean Jones
56. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DARIUSPHILLIPS. 2. player. CORNERBACK.
Carolina Panthers trade target: Darius Phillips (CB)
The Carolina Panthers have plenty of questions to answer regarding their cornerback spot heading into 2020. They made considerable changes to the group and whether this can bring around an immediate turnaround in fortunes remains to be seen.
If the organization wants to bring in more proven help going forward, Darius Phillips represents a high-quality individual that could be available at the right price. The Cincinnati Bengals brought in Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, which might leave the former fifth-round pick with limited time on the field.
Phillips has provided the Bengals with some outstanding production in recent seasons. He still manager four interceptions and an 81.6 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2019 despite starting the season on the injured reserve list.
It is evident he is a player with a lot to offer. And the Panthers might be able to get him for some good value. Phillips is heading into the penultimate year of his deal and is owed $1.67 million in base salary over the next two seasons. So it wouldn’t cost the earth to bring in a player that has the ability to vastly outplay this financial outlay.
Carolina’s decision-makers might be happy going with Donte Jackson, Eli Apple, and Troy Pride Jr. going forward. But adding Phillips would give them another massive shot in the arm.