Panthers begin to fill one of most pressing needs with a defensive veteran
The Carolina Panthers are continuing to address their needs on the defensive side of the ball.
The Panthers have agreed to terms with cornerback Rashaan Melvin on a one-year deal, per a league source. Melvin most recently played for the Detroit Lions in 2019. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, however, he opted out of the 2020 season and the Jaguars chose to release him this week.
Melvin, originally undrafted out of Northern Illinois, has also been on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts and Raiders organization.
Corner is one of the most pressing needs for the Panthers with no clear starter opposite Donte Jackson for the upcoming season. Signing Melvin, 31, does not solve the void at the position for Carolina, but does add some veteran depth to a defensive back room that is in desperate need of it. The Panthers previously did not have a cornerback on the roster over the age of 25. `
Both Rasul Douglas and Corn Elder became free agents Wednesday.
One of Melvin’s best statistical performances came in 2019 with the Detroit Lions. He started 12 games and finished the year with 68 tackles and 11 passes defensed.
Over his NFL career, Melvin has only allowed receptions on 57.7% of throws that he is in coverage on. For perspective, Jackson was the only Panthers below 63% last year in reception percentage (57.9%).
This story was originally published March 18, 2021 at 1:19 PM.
