All Panthers

Panthers named a fit for 2 of the NFL's 10 best remaining free agents

The Carolina Panthers could sign some of the best free agents in the league.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Josh Reynolds works to bring down Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Josh Reynolds works to bring down Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In this story:


The Carolina Panthers are off on vacation after completing minicamp, but there could be another addition or two by the time the team gets back for training camp.

The Panthers could benefit from another player or two, specifically in the secondary.

Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton named former Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon as a target for the Panthers in free agency.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kelvin Joseph and Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon celebrate
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kelvin Joseph and Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon celebrate. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images-Imagn Images

"Despite his ability to track the ball, Blackmon may not be the most reliable last-line defender in deep coverage. He's better suited for a split safety scheme, where the coaching staff can position him closer to the line of scrimmage," Moton wrote.

"The Carolina Panthers could pair Blackmon with Tre'von Moehrig, who can also play both safety positions. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero could use them interchangeably, depending on the opponent and situation.

"Last year, the Panthers were tied for 24th in interceptions. In free agency, they lost safety Xavier Woods, who led the team in that category last year.

"Along with Moehrig, Blackmon could transform Carolina's secondary into a more aggressive unit on passing downs."

The team could also benefit from adding a cornerback, which is why Moton also linked the Panthers to former Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones.

NFL Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jone
NFL Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

"Jack Jones has showcased his best and worst with the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders, though he's shown a little more consistency than safety Julian Blackmon at his position in coverage," Moton wrote.

"If Jones focuses on making simple plays rather than spectacular ones, he can be a solid starting cornerback. However, his departure and benching at his previous spots are red flags. Still, Jones can be a serviceable veteran starter for a team that needs an experienced cover defender on the boundary."

Either or both could benefit the Panthers and help the secondary become one of the more improved units in the league.

The Panthers are expected to return to the team facility next month for training camp.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

Tantalizing Panthers weapon one of NFL’s most-disrespected players

What Dave Canales said about Bryce Young after Panthers minicamp

Analyst lays out how Carolina Panthers can return to NFL Playoffs

Why Cam Newton feels disrespected by the makers of ‘Madden’

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations


Published | Modified
Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

Share on XFollow JeremyBrener