This year, they added Rashaan Melvin and A.J. Bouye in free agency, a better grade of older guys.
But the fact they are the third- and fifth-oldest players on the roster is not ideal, at a position that demands cutting and running with some of the most dynamic players in the game.
Bouye could still be a quality addition, who has played at a high level somewhat recently (he was great for the 2017 Jaguars when they made the AFC Championship Game). But injuries and a suspension (which will carry over into the first two games of this season) marred his one year with the Broncos.
Even if he bounces back this year, he's still turning 30 during training camp, so the need at the position is acute.
The Panthers know this too, and it's why they were involved in discussions on a number of corners who went on to sign contracts elsewhere on deals that reflected hope (or desperation) more than the value those players have exhibited so far in their careers.
Money is often a crude way to express value, but the prices for top cornerbacks are among the top in the game, with the franchise tag for corners trailing just quarterbacks, defensive ends, and wide receivers. That means, if you want a good one, it's going to cost you, so drafting one who'll be cheap for four years is always a much better plan.
Bouye was once one of those high-priced guys, getting a top-of-market deal from the Jaguars in 2017 (a five-year, $67.5 million splurge). This year, as he entered the scratch-and-dent phase of his career, he's a more affordable option (two years, $7 million).
The Panthers have done a solid job of stacking playmakers in the defensive front seven, and with the arrival of linebacker Denzel Perryman, there's a chance Jeremy Chinn will play more snaps as a defensive back this year (though he's still going to be all over the field).
Adding a young corner to begin to build the secondary is the next step. The Panthers know this — it's just a matter of how quickly they choose to act on it.
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April 21, 2021 at 09:52PM
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Make the Case: Find an answer at cornerback early - Panthers.com - Panthers.com
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