Panthers free agents open up about what’s next; James Bradberry open to franchise tag
Trash bags, boxes filled with shoes that never saw the field and jerseys and cleats being signed left and right.
Monday marked the official end of the Panthers’ 2019 season as the team met for the final time and cleared out their lockers. With seven of 11 defensive starters set to become unrestricted free agents in the offseason and a head coaching search ongoing, a significant portion will likely not be back together in 2020.
One of the most intriguing is cornerback James Bradberry, who had the tough task of defending the opposing team’s top wide receiver in most games. The team’s second-round pick in 2016, who has started all four seasons with the Panthers, was one of the stars on an otherwise disappointing defense this year and showed he could be a top NFL corner. However, his future with the team is unknown.
Bradberry said his agent had been in talks with the Panthers, but that things had stalled. As the 26-year old has said other times throughout the year, he would be open to the franchise tag if the Panthers went in that direction. That would require paying Bradberry around $16 million, the cost to put the franchise tag on a corner in 2019, for one season, which is a strong possibility for Carolina.
According to Pro Football Reference, he allowed just one touchdown this season compared to six in 2018 and was targeted less frequently than the year prior. When Bradberry plays well, his name is rarely mentioned.
In the NFC South, especially, having success as a cornerback is no easy task. The NFC’s four Pro Bowl wide receivers are all from the division: The Saints’ Michael Thomas, Falcons’ Julio Jones and Mike Evans and Chris Godwin from the Buccaneers.
“I have a hard test,” Bradberry said of what he’s put up against “I think it shows what I’m able to do, my attributes, I’m a long, physical guy, likes to play at the line of scrimmage, which is what you need in the NFC South.”
Not many players would be OK with playing on the franchise tag, but Bradberry said he feels like he’s always been in a position where he needs to show what he can do.
“Each year I’ve been in the league, it’s been kind of a ‘prove it’ year, that’s how I look at it,” Bradberry said. “... I think I’ve done well each and every year, this year right here was probably my best, so I just got to duplicate what I did this year.”
Free agent returns?
Other future defensive free agents, Boston and Gerald McCoy, spoke about what comes next and whether they would consider returning to the Panthers.
Boston, in his second stint with the team, said he would like to return to the Panthers even if it means waiting around until training camp again. The veteran tied for the team lead in interceptions (three) and was fourth in total tackles (68) this year
The safety also said that he feels he should be paid more than the $2.1 million deal he had this season.
“Not a little more. It’s time. I told y’all year after year, compare Tre Boston’s stats to the top 10-paid safeties and there’s no difference,” Boston said. “So what is stopping them from paying me the same? I’m going out there banged up just like the rest of ‘em. Numbers just like the rest of ‘em. It’s all about getting my worth … they know what I’m worth … I’ve proved it year after year after year.”
McCoy, who was a team captain, said he was going “weigh his options” on his future new team, but that he “definitely would consider it” if the Panthers tried to bring him back. The 31-year old has no regrets from his decision to join the team after leaving the Buccaneers in free agency, calling it “one of the funnest seasons” he has had in a long time.
Both players expressed that the return of Cam Newton would play a role in if they decide to return to Charlotte. Newton had surgery on his left foot in December after playing two games in 2019 due to the Lisfranc injury. He has one year left on his deal with the Panthers.
“Cam will be back. Listen, I don’t know if I’m going to be here or not, but that would be the dumbest thing they ever did — let Cam walk,” McCoy said. “There’s not a lot of Cam Newtons walking around.”
Latest on Marty Hurney
Despite reports that the team’s general manager may be leaving the organization, that doesn’t appear likely. Owner David Tepper had said following the firing of Ron Rivera that he wanted to keep Hurney despite the team hiring a new assistant general manager/vice president of football operations, who will likely alongside him.
“I couldn’t have more respect for Marty,” tight end Greg Olsen said. “I think the team would be smart to keep him In some capacity around here, his track record is understanding the relationships, and his understanding drafting and young players is really strong. I think he’s a huge asset to an organization.”
Hurney was at the stadium Monday. Multiple players mentioned that he would be talking to their agents about new contracts, including Bradberry.
Other notes:
- Olsen has not officially decided if he will retire from football after 13 seasons in the NFL. The veteran tight end has dealt with multiple injuries over the last three seasons and spoke last week about the many factors that would go into his decision to likely move on to a career as a broadcast analyst. Olsen shared that the decision will likely come “sooner rather than later” and that once he makes it, there will be no going back.
- Linebacker Shaq Thompson had a boot on his right foot, but it is not something he said will need surgery. He said it will heal with rest and is not a concern for him. Thompson also had a minor cleanup operation on his shoulder Thursday that had been planned for the offseason.
