NFL Insider Predicts Panthers Upgrade Secondary Before Training Camp
By Joe Summers
Most of the attention this offseason has been paid to the Carolina Panthers' offense, for good reason. Their draft focused on retooling QB Bryce Young's supporting cast, though several important moves were made on defense as well.
ESPN NFL Insider Aaron Schatz, who created DVOA, believes there's still one major move left for the Panthers to make though. The organization has been tied to a potential Stephon Gilmore reunion but Schatz thinks there's a different cornerback Carolina should sign in free agency.
Jaycee Horn is enjoying an excellent summer, yet there's room for improvement behind him.
NFL Insider Argues Panthers Should Sign CB Adoree' Jackson
Originally a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, Jackson spent the first four years of his career there before joining the New York Giants for three seasons. While still a free agent, his experience and pedigree would bolster the back end of Carolina's secondary.
As Schatz writes, "The top three cornerbacks are set in Carolina as long as Jaycee Horn can stay healthy. But there's very little depth behind Horn, Dane Jackson and Troy Hill...The Panthers could use a veteran cornerback for depth behind the fragile Horn and the soon-to-be 33-year-old Hill."
If Carolina is going to improve on last year's 2-15 result and become a contender in the weak NFC South, the organization needs to plan for the worst. Jackson would give the Panthers insurance if Horn or another starter gets hurt, and he's among the best available options without making a trade.
Last season, Jackson compiled 63 tackles, eight deflected passes, a forced fumble and an interception while allowing a 95.2 passer rating in coverage.
Those numbers are nothing to write home about but they're better than what Carolina currently has on the roster.
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