The Carolina Panthers signed free agent cornerbackBrandon Boykinto serve as the nickelback in their defensive unit.
The Carolina Panthers came into the off-season with some gaps in their secondary. They cutRoman Harper.Charles Tillmanwas a free agent and part rentalCortland Finneganwas a free agent as well. The Panthers were expectingBene Benwikereback from his injury andRobert McClainhad one year left on his deal to be the dime back.
That left the nickel position open. The Panthers haveseemingly filled that voidby bringing in former Philadelphia Eagle and Pittsburgh Steeler Brandon Boykin to the roster. Boykin signed a one year deal and is expected to move into that Nickelback position.
The Panthers used the nickel defense extensively last year to match up with offenses dedicated to spreading out the ball. Losing Benwikere and Tillman to injury last year really led to a scramble before Finnegan was signed. In Boykin, they have a much younger player who could potentially be around a while if the season goes well.
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Boykin had a six interception season in his time at Philadelphia, but he was also one of the first players to so dissatisfaction with Chip Kelly as a head coach. As such he was dealt to Pittsburgh where it took some time for him to join the defense; injuries put him in the lineup in Week 13 and he played well after.
The Panthers have not filled out some of their needs in the secondary quite nicely. Other than Boykin, the team signed safety Trenton Robinson two weeks ago. Robinson helps the team with depth at the safety position. He will back upTre BostonandKurt Colemanbarring a Coleman-like performance in training camp.
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Both of these guys are typical Dave Gettleman signings, players worth more than their current market value. They also enable Gettleman more flexibility in how he handles the NFL Draft.
Now he does not need to worry about missing on a corner or safety, but aim for another position. It will be interesting to see what other deals the Panthers put in place between now and the Draft to yield even more flexibility.
Next: Panthers Off-Season Predictions
The NFL Draft is just a month away on April 28. Panthers team needs currently stand at defensive tackle and offensive tackle.
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