There are a few salary cap roster casualties starting to fall around the league. One of the reported ones on Friday involves a player who the Detroit Lions should have at least some interest in signing.
Per numerous reports, the Carolina Panthers will release starting safety Tre Boston. The move saves the cap-strapped Panthers some $3.5 million in 2021 obligations.
As Panthers Wire editor Tim Weaver notes, cutting Boston is something of a surprise. Carolina signed him to a three-year, $18 million deal last offseason. And Boston played well for the young Panthers, starting all 16 games and finishing with 95 tackles.
The 28-year-old Boston has been a reliable starting safety for several years. He had his best season in 2017 with the Los Angeles Chargers under head coach Anthony Lynn, who is now the Lions’ offensive coordinator. Boston picked off five passes and registered 79 tackles and eight PDs that year.
The Lions have a need at safety with Duron Harmon a pending free agent. Boston is a proven veteran with some familiarity to the coaching staff and a solid track record of making plays. He’s definitely worth investigating for new GM Brad Holmes and the Detroit brass.
Boston joins a deep free agent safety class. If the Lions are looking more for a 1-2 year bridge veteran instead of a higher-end (and more expensive) starter, Boston should be a primary option.
