4 Carolina Panthers players set for a big leap forward in 2021
By Dean Jones
Juston Burris – Carolina Panthers S
The Carolina Panthers did not bring in another safety either in free agency or the draft despite releasing Tre Boston after a campaign of underachievement and poor production in 2020. This is the strongest indicator yet that they fully believe Juston Burris could offer a little bit more with someone talented alongside him, which he is set to have in no uncertain terms with Jeremy Chinn moving to the backend.
Burris went through some struggles following his free-agent arrival from the Cleveland Browns last year. A rib injury suffered midway through the season didn’t exactly help his cause, but the Panthers obviously see enough in the veteran to think he’ll get better with a dynamic defender such as Chinn picking up some of the slack.
The Panthers secondary does have better energy to it, at least on paper. Jaycee Horn and A.J. Bouye should form a formidable cornerback trio with No. 1 option Donte Jackson, with Chinn reverting back to his preferred position another big shot in the arm for a critical area of the field in the pass-happy NFC South.
This might all change if Carolina decides to bring in another veteran in the coming weeks if finances allow. For now, Burris is slotted to start on the final year of his deal and it’s imperative he capitalizes on improved talent around him.