5 free-agent cornerbacks the Panthers should target in 2021
By Dean Jones
Michael Davis
- 2020 team – Los Angeles Chargers
Michael Davis has everything the Carolina Panthers are looking for in an outside cover cornerback. His 6-foot-2 frame brings an eye-catching physicality that was missing from Phil Snow’s unit in 2020 and having this would be a significant asset to call upon going down the field, over short routes and in press coverage during red-zone situations.
The player has worked incredibly hard to emerged from an undrafted free-agent into an NFL starter with the Los Angeles Chargers. Davis has been an assured presence over the last two seasons and there is scope for even more in the way of development as he enters his prime.
Davis was given a one-year, $3.25 million deal by the Chargers last year, and his level of production probably indicates he’ll be looking for a longer-term commitment either in Los Angeles or elsewhere. He gave up just 60.6 percent of targets thrown his way this season and this sort of signing would allow the Panthers to move away from their soft coverage scheme that became a constant source of frustration in critical third-down moments.
Whether Davis wants a new challenge or not is up for debate. There is a new regime heading into the Chargers after Anthony Lynn was fired – so his future is very much up in the air at this juncture.
Carolina needs another productive option to help them. And make no mistake, Davis fits the bill.