4 major improvements made by the Carolina Panthers this offseason
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers improved at the safety spot
Even though Jeremy Chinn performed at a high level once again in 2021, finding additional assistance alongside him at the safety spot is something the Carolina Panthers had to do this offseason. They did re-sign Sean Chandler and Juston Burris, but neither could be classed as consistent starters based on the form each player displayed last time around.
The Panthers wasted little time in addressing this need in free agency by signing Xavier Woods. A player who got his career back on track with an outstanding campaign for the Minnesota Vikings that resulted in a three-year, $15 million deal with a $5 million signing bonus and $6.03 million guaranteed.
Woods’ career was hanging in the balance after a disappointing 2020 season on the Dallas Cowboys. So he deserves a significant amount of credit for showing the necessary resolve and playing alongside a dynamic weapon such as Chinn should ensure this newfound momentum gets put to good use.
Whether the Panthers have enough depth in the event this starting duo gets injured is debatable. Burris looks better suited to a rotational role given his recent injury history, but expectations are high regarding Kenny Robinson taking another leap in Year 3 of his pro career.
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Carolina’s secondary looks deep. Something that will be needed in the pass-happy NFL world next season and beyond.