At full health, the Panthers could have an intriguing group of corners at the top of their depth chart. Injury concerns could entice the team to make at least a depth move at the position, however.
Carolina has Jaycee Horn and Donte Jackson entrenched as starters, but each are dealing with injury recoveries at the moment. Horn recently suffered an ankle injury which did not require surgery, and he is expected to be at full strength in time for training camp. Still, the setback is the latest of several he has dealt with in his young career.
Jackson, meanwhile, tore his Achilles in November and is continuing the rehab process. His ability to return to form will be a key factor in the Panthers’ defensive success. The 27-year-old has been a full-time starter throughout his career, and the team’s depth was tested late in 2022 while he and Horn were sidelined. C.J. Henderson, Keith Taylor and Stantley Thomas-Oliver represent Carolina’s other options at the CB spot.
As a result, Joe Person of The Athletic writes that it would not come as a surprise if the Panthers were to make an addition at the position this summer (subscription required). Marcus Peters tops the list of players still available this deep into the offseason, though he has frequently been linked to the Raiders. Other options include Ronald Darby, Bryce Callahan, William Jackson and Anthony Averett.
The Panthers currently hold more than $26.5M in cap space, but they have been frequently linked to adding an edge rusher before the start of training camp. The team was also added to the list of potential DeAndre Hopkins suitors this week, and a deal for the All-Pro wideout would of course significantly eat into their available funds. Depending on how Carolina proceeds financially in the coming weeks (along with any unexpected health updates which could come along), a depth corner signing could be in the cards.
More must-reads: