Panthers Starter Predicted to Leave Carolina in Free Agency

The Carolina Panthers took some strides forward in the 2024 season, increasing their win total from two to five. Dave Canales looks like a head coach worth keeping around for longer, and Bryce Young showed intriguing flashes in his second season in the NFL.

A lot of these strides came on the offensive side of the ball. While the team moved from the 31st-best offense in the league to the 23rd, the defense took a step back, allowing more points and total yards than any other team in the NFL.

As a result, the Panthers are likely to make more sweeping changes on that end of the field. The safety rotation left plenty to be desired as the Panthers ranked in the bottom five in coverage per Pro Football Focus.

Veteran safety Xavier Woods was the best performer in that group. He played every single defensive snap without missing a game, an impressive feat. He also received the highest grade on PFF with 57.0. Yet, this was only good for the 78th-best safety out of 98 eligible players in the position.

This is why The Athletic's Joe Person predicts a "mass exodus" in the safety room. As Canales and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero "look to remake the safety room", Person expects Woods to be a part of this long list of departures.

"Despite starting 46 games over the past three seasons, Woods could be part of a mass exodus as Dave Canales and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero look to remake the safety room. Woods is the most accomplished of the five free-agent safeties. "

- Joe Person, The Athletic

Woods is hitting free agency this offseason as the three-year, $15.75 million deal he signed with the Panthers expires. At age 29, he could still be a valuable veteran piece on a short-term, team-friendly deal.

At the same time, the Panthers need to show significant improvement in the defensive backfield next season. Completely revamping the safety rotation may be the wiser thing to do.

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