Panthers Linked to Former Pro Bowl CB in Wake of Hall of Fame Game Struggles

The Carolina Panthers learned a lot about themselves in the Hall of Fame Game last week. The team didn't play any starters, as well as some of the backups, but they learned plenty about where their depth is, isn't, and could come from.

Their depth is at wide receiver, and their depth isn't in the secondary. The secondary, including players like Will Lee, got absolutely run through by the Arizona Cardinals. Carson Beck diced them up, and the wide receivers got open frequently.

If the Panthers lose someone like Jaycee Horn or Mike Jackson, they are in deep trouble. They can, according to one NFL insider, and perhaps should sign Kenny Moore II to help offset that risk.

Panthers could sign Kenny Moore II for needed secondary depth

Kenny Moore II on the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Panthers have the outside cornerback depth set up with Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, and Will Lee. The slot is in worse shape, but Carolina has also experimented with Horn in the slot so they can get creative with everyone.

Still, they're just one injury away from things going awry, especially in the slot. Enter Kenny Moore, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts earlier this offseason. Bleacher Report's Moe Moton believes he is the perfect fit for Carolina.

"The Carolina Panthers should look for an upgrade at slot cornerback. Chau Smith-Wade has manned the position for two seasons, and undrafted second-year pro Corey Thornton is his only competition for that role," Moton began, citing Smith-Wade's 105.8 passer rating allowed and Thornton's injury.

While Moore won't solve the missed tackle rate, which is 9.7% for Smith-Wade, his coverage is much better. His passer rating allowed has been below 88 for the last two years, and since 2023, he's recorded 19 pass breakups and seven interceptions.

Moton fully admits that Moore would be a "Band-Aid solution" for one of Carolina's weakspots, but they don't need much more than that right now. It's too late in the game to find a real replacement/upgrade, and Moore is one of the best options left.

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) rushes the ball against Carolina Panthers cornerback Chau Smith-Wade | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Panthers would have a ton of depth, versatility, and creativity in the secondary, as Horn could move inside and Moore could take some reps on the outside. This could mitigate any injuries and keep everyone fresh.

Moore would also be a great veteran mentor for Smith-Wade and Thornton, both of whom are still developing. They would learn more from a true slot cornerback like Moore than Horn or Mike Jackson.

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