DeAngelo Hall is used to swooping in and intercepting opponents. Is he looking to carry on that tradition in a new role?
The former secondary defender Hall, a 14-year NFL veteran and three-time Pro Bowler, recently took on a new challenge as the Carolina Panthers' new assistant defensive backs coach. Even before inking his Carolina contract, Hall has apparently wasted no time in doubling as the Panthers' general manager, reportedly expressing interest in Los Angeles Rams defender Jalen Ramsey.
During an appearance on NFL Total Access, NFL Network's Adam Rank recalled a conversation he had with Hall shortly before his move to Charlotte. Then an analyst for NFL Network, a remark from the star defender from Atlanta/Oakland/Washington could prove prophetic.
“I wrote an article for NFL.com. The team that I put out there was the Cincinnati Bengals, which I thought made a lot of sense," Rank recalled. "But what was really interesting is that on the show was DeAngelo Hall, and he said, ‘Oh, don’t forget about Carolina.’ Then, a couple of days later, he ends up in Carolina.”
Adding a ballhawk like Ramsey would only add to Carolina's gridiron momentum that began with a 5-3 mark to end the season. A combination of hiring Frank Reich to be the new head coach and Tom Brady's departure from the NFC South has many eyeing the Panthers as a potential breakout team come next fall. For that to happen, their defense would require a noticeable boost, as Carolina ranked 27th in forced turnovers last season.
If the Panthers were to prove Hall correct about their interest in Ramsey, they'd probably not only have to get back under the salary cap (over $2.2 million over entering the offseason) but they'd also have to shed some pricey contracts. While unlikely, trading 2022 Pro Bowl starter Brian Burns would open over $16 million in cap space if traded prior to June 1.
The Panther's draft situation is also relatively mediocre: they own the ninth overall pick in this spring's selections (one many foresee being used on a quarterback) but they own two second-round choices, including San Francisco's after dealing away Christian McCaffrey earlier this season.
The situation surrounding Ramsey will linger as one of the most intriguing storylines of the coming offseason. Hall's comments simply add another ripple in the dangerous seas of Ramsey's future.
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