5 key ways the Carolina Panthers won during 2022 offseason
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers got Jeremy Chinn a prolific partner
Jeremy Chinn’s transition to the safety position went well in 2021. The former second-round pick went over 100 tackles yet again and was chosen as a Pro Bowl alternate, which further enhanced his growing reputation as one of the league’s brightest young defenders.
What transpired alongside Chinn was less stellar. Justin Burris had trouble staying healthy, Sean Chandler was inconsistent, and Kenny Robinson remains a work in progress despite demonstrating encouraging growth later in the campaign.
The Carolina Panthers needed to get Chinn a prominent partner on the backend at some stage during the offseason. This was accomplished pretty early with the signing of Xavier Woods from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency.
Woods’ career prospects were hanging in the balance after a disappointing 2020 season with the Dallas Cowboys. But the player bounced back in the best possible way in Minnesota alongside perennial All-Pro Harrison Smith.
If Woods can build on this positive momentum with a stud next to him once again, then Chinn is only going to benefit. Something that could force the Panthers into early contract negotiations next year to avoid a potentially sticky situation.