4 Panthers players who must be re-signed this offseason
By Luke Tucker
Corn Elder – Carolina Panthers CB
Originally a Carolina Panthers draft pick back in 2017, Corn Elder has been released twice in his young career but returned to have his best year as a pro in 2020.
Elder played in all 16 games for the first time in his career, winning the starting nickel job coming out of camp, and making the most of his second chance. He allowed the second-lowest passer rating among Panthers cornerbacks this season, trailing only Donte Jackson – who actually performed very well when active – and surrendered the least number of yards per reception of any Panthers defensive back.
On top of that, of all defenders who took at least 100 snaps in the slot, only five were responsible for fewer yards per play.
Despite his good play throughout most of the season, the coaching staff limited his snap count down the stretch, opting to see what a handful of younger players could do. Needless to say, the results weren’t pretty, as the defense gave up nine passing scores over the final four games, all of which Elder played no more than 10 snaps in.
Those numbers aren’t to say that Elder is a sure-thing at the nickel back heading into 2021. But at this point, he’s a better option than anyone else on the roster, not to mention his value in stopping the run.
The Panthers have a history of letting cornerback talent walk away, but they can’t afford to let another good one leave. Elder is still young, and if he can continue to improve, he could be an integral part of Phil Snow’s defense for years to come.