4 free-agent CBs the Panthers should target after Jaycee Horn injury
By Dean Jones
D.J. Hayden
The Carolina Panthers took a chance on A.J. Bouye getting back to the form of old. They might also want to explore the possibility of another former Jacksonville Jaguar looking for a new home.
D.J. Hayden recently worked out for the Chicago Bears without leaving with a deal. So it’s evident the player clearly wants to resume his NFL career at some stage in 2021.
Hayden has 91 starts under his belt, which is some valuable experience the Panthers could use as they look to maintain the exceptional momentum generated over the first three games of the season.
His previous campaign was cut short after just five games through injury and the new regime in Jacksonville opted to go in a different direction. Not exactly a surprise considering Urban Meyer came in with his own set of ideas.
Hayden has enough nous to come in at a moment’s notice and potentially make difference. His previous relationship with A.J. Bouye from their time together on the Jaguars is another factor that should smooth any transition.
Carolina might decide to elevate someone like Corn Elder from the practice squad, who did okay in 2020 without doing enough to get an extension initially. But one could argue taking a gamble on Hayden or a similar player might be more beneficial.