5 shocking cuts the Carolina Panthers could make this offseason

Juston Burris – Carolina Panthers S

One thing that might be the saving grace for Juston Burris is the relative lack of depth at safety on the Carolina Panthers. Last year’s free-agent signing from the Cleveland Browns endured a difficult campaign that wasn’t helped by a rib injury, so it remains to be seen just what role he’ll have moving forward.

The Panthers opted to release Tre Boston, which appears to give Burris a reprieve of sorts.

Having Jeremy Chinn alongside him on the backend should also help his cause. But it’s clear a big push is needed at training camp to cement himself into the team’s plans.

Burris was playing relatively well during the early part of the campaign. He looked like a shell of himself after recovering from a rib problem and the jury is still out as to whether he’ll make a better go of things on the final year of his deal.

It would be a huge shock if the Panthers cut Burris.

But stranger things have happened in the NFL.

Releasing the player when it’s time to decide on the 53-man roster would save the Panthers $3.77 million, which is an enticing proposition if they feel there is a better option out there on the free-agent market.

Not exactly ideal for either party. And the Panthers need to be completely convinced a potential contingency plan is a better option than Burris.