The Carolina Panthers have had a stellar offseason, aggressively addressing their most pressing roster needs. The team came into 2019 with serious holes in the trenches and in the defensive backfield.
Carolina got off to a hot start in free agency by signing former Denver Broncos center Matt Paradis to a three-year deal that should qualify as a bargain if he can stay healthy. Next, the Panthers landed former Atlanta Falcons defensive end/linebacker Bruce Irvin to add some more punch to the pass rush. In the draft, they doubled down even more by picking Brian Burns and Christian Miller. They also filled another major gap on offense by drafting two new left tackles.
Along the way, the team signed some low-risk, high-reward pickups, like wide receiver Chris Hogan, who signed for just $1.45 million.
The true centerpiece of the offseason didn’t arrive until yesterday, though, when the Panthers signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. The move solidifies the defensive line as one of the stronger units in the league.
Today, general manager Marty Hurney checked another box by addressing the hole at slot cornerback. Captain Munnerlyn has played the position the last two years but he was released for cap savings. Former Bucs corner Javien Elliott must have impressed the team last season when he picked off Cam Newton Week 13. That performance earned him a career-best individual game grade from Pro Football Focus.
The team just announced that Elliott has signed a one-year deal.
While Elliott’s not guaranteed to start in the slot, he should be at the front of the line. Corn Elder is the most likely candidate to back him up.
Rashaan Gaulden could also see some time in the slot. However, adding Elliott might mean the team wants him to prioritize free safety for the time being. Gaulden played safety and nickel in college but he didn’t get much playing time as a rookie. If the Panthers plan to roll with Gaulden as their Week 1 starter next to Eric Reid, it will be a serious gamble on an unproven defender.
Gaulden deserves a chance to show he can start. The team has to prepare for the possibility that he won’t work out or someone else will get injured, though. With that in mind, they should seriously consider signing one of the veteran safeties who are still on the market.
Tre Boston is a former Carolina DB who has grown a lot in the two years since he left. Eric Berry is the most talented name of the bunch.
With just one more mid-level signing at this critical position, the front office can declare its offseason work over and claim a job well done.
