3 positions where signing a free-agent makes sense for the Panthers
By Dean Jones
Safety
It appears as if the Carolina Panthers are confident that Juston Burris can perform a little better with stud second-year-pro Jeremy Chinn alongside him on the backend. The free-agent signing from the Cleveland Browns went through his fair share of struggles during a disappointing first season with the franchise, but with Tre Boston no longer around, he should get another opportunity to prove his worth on the final year of his deal.
There doesn’t appear to be much in the way of depth behind the starting duo. Undrafted free-agent duo Sam Franklin and Myles Hartsfield performed well above expectations after winning a place on the 53-man roster. But whether they are ready to assume more prominent roles in 2021 is another matter entirely.
Acquiring a veteran on the cheap in free agency would be a smart way to go. It would give the Panthers some additional competition during OTAs and training camp and if they find the right guy, it could solidify an area of the field that became a weak link last season.
Putting Chinn in his preferred position is going to be a massive boost. The former Southern Illinois standout was a revelation at outside linebacker in 2020 and there is plenty of confidence in the player making a similar sort of impact from a little further down the field.
How Burris gets on is going to be crucial. But getting another option isn’t out of the question.