4 free-agent safeties to replace J.T. Ibe at Panthers training camp
By Dean Jones
Blake Countess
The Philadelphia Eagles cut Blake Countess for a second time in March after initially selecting him in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. It’s been a rocky road for the defensive back since entering the league, which has seen some starting action without ever quite locking down a position long-term.
Countess was waived by the Eagles before playing a snap the first time around. He landed on the Los Angeles Rams and recorded 54 tackles, two picks, three passes defended, and one sack in 37 games over a three-year period.
This was followed by a season with the New York Jets in 2019, appearing in six games but becoming nothing more than a special teamer. Countess then moved back to the Eagles and turned out in two contests during the previous campaign.
Philadelphia didn’t see the need to take another look at the former Michigan and Auburn standout. But if the Carolina Panthers are looking for another camp body that can bring a little more experience, then it’s a definite possibility.
Although someone like Countess doesn’t come with the upside of someone a little younger, the Panthers have the likes of Myles Hartsfield and Sam Franklin already on the team – two promising players who could have a bigger role in 2021.