4 recent veteran cuts that could help the Carolina Panthers in 2021
By Dean Jones
Kwon Alexander – LB
One of the Carolina Panthers’ top priorities this offseason is to strengthen their linebacker options. Luke Kuechly’s shock retirement left a gaping hole at the second level and considering the rocky start Matt Rhule and Jermaine Carter got off to, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some reinforcements added despite the impending returns of Christian Miller and Jordan Mack into the fold after opting-out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 health concerns.
One player who immediately caught the eye when he was released this week was Kwon Alexander. The experienced veteran was cut loose by the cash-strapped New Orleans Saints after a campaign that began with the San Francisco 49ers and concluded as a member of Sean Payton’s men.
Alexander is a Pro Bowler that has carved out a successful career for himself after arriving in the league as a fourth-round pick. His leadership skills are exceptional and this is matched by a fierce determination that inspires others around him, which are traits that Rhule has worked hard to install during year one of his rebuild.
There is a small matter of Alexander’s injury history to consider, although he didn’t manage 12 games in 2020. Providing this doesn’t impact Carolina’s salary-cap too much, acquiring the LSU product would provide instant assistance and perhaps even an inside knowledge of the defensive scheme being run in New Orleans.