The Carolina Panthers team for the 2021 campaign has mostly come together. Often there are some last minute changes and maneuvers, but the main guys are normally set in their rotation.
A position that is a little uncertain is the one vacated by former Panther Tre Boston, free safety. Since letting him go for $3.5 million in cape space, Carolina has not signed or drafted anyone of consequence to take his place. There is a chance that someone already on the roster could be a starter to play alongside Jeremy Chinn. It might prove to be costly not to sign a veteran safety.
According to Field Yates at ESPN, signing veteran safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix would the best move the Panthers could make at this time.
“The Panthers have reshaped their safety group this offseason, including a full-time move to the slot for last year’s rookie sensation Jeremy Chinn. The team reportedly took a look at Clinton-Dix a little while back, so there’s an established level of curiosity. He has bounced around in recent years and isn’t a definite starter by any means, but depth at a position that looks light right now is a good pre-camp investment.”
Adding Clinton-Dix would be an upgrade but he’s not what he once was earlier in his career. He could teach the younger players and be a sound voice in the locker room. The best choice would be former Seahawks and Ravens safety Earl Thomas. The only problem with signing Thomas is he comes with baggage with teammates and management.
Whatever moves coach Matt Rhule and GM Scott Fitterer agree on, they will have to move swiftly before the safety position goes down the drain.
