Grading every Carolina Panthers signing of 2021 free agency so far
By Dean Jones
Cam Erving – Carolina Panthers OL
- Free-agent signing grade – D
Considering how much the Panthers struggled to pass protect during the 2020 season, the signing of Cam Erving was a bit of a head-scratcher. The offensive lineman looked like a lost sheep guarding the edge for the Kansas City Chiefs and even though his time with the Dallas Cowboys during the previous campaign was slightly improved, the jury is still out as to whether he can make this latest opportunity in Carolina count.
Only time will tell as to whether Erving will end up as a starter. Tackle is a position the Panthers should address early in the NFL Draft – especially if Penei Sewell somehow makes it to No. 8 – so this signing probably says more about the coaching staff’s thoughts on depth options like Greg Little and Trenton Scott more than anything else.
Rashaan Melvin – Carolina Panthers CB
- Free-agent signing grade – C-
The Panthers have a glaring need at cornerback behind Donte Jackson, who certainly looked the part down the stretch after finally recovering from a toe problem that hampered him all the way up to Carolina’s Week 13 bye. There are still plenty of free agents on the market worth considering, which makes the signing of Rashaad Melvin even more underwhelming in the grand scheme of things.
Melvin has all the physical tools one looks for in a productive starter at the next level. It hasn’t all come together for him just yet. But Matt Rhule loves taking chances on guys like this in the hope they can finally put it all together as was witnessed with his failed attempts to turn around Eli Apple’s career.