Panthers CB spotlight: Pending free agents, possible targets, 2023 draft outlook
Like the offensive line, a team can never have too much cornerback depth.
Carolina learned that lesson in Week 17 when Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers exploded for a season-high 432 passing yards en route to an NFC South-clinching 30-24 victory. Receiver Mike Evans gained 207 receiving yards on 10 catches. He had three touchdowns of 30 or more yards, including 57- and 63-yard scores.
Two of those touchdowns came against starting cornerback C.J. Henderson and the other versus backup Keith Taylor, who was thrust into the starting lineup due to season-ending injuries to Jaycee Horn and Donte Jackson.
Entering the 2022 season, the Panthers envisioned a three-deep cornerback trio of Horn, Jackson and Henderson, capable of playing sticky man coverage on third down. However, the Panthers’ top three defensive backs only played six games together.
All three are back next season. Jackson is recovering from a ruptured Achilles, which is a devastating injury for a 27-year-old cornerback who relies on speed and quickness in coverage. Regardless of his health, Carolina should explore younger cornerbacks in the draft or free agency. Here are some options.
Pending free agents
T.J. Carrie
The Panthers brought in Carrie after the team dealt with multiple cornerback injuries. Carrie had played for former interim coach Steve Wilks in Cleveland and knew Carolina’s defense. His lone highlight during the season was forcing and recovering a fumble in the home win against the Denver Broncos. He is unlikely to return to Carolina.
Josh Norman
Norman returned to Carolina in Week 16 when Horn was placed on season-ending injured reserve. He earned just 10 snaps against the Buccaneers but played 100% of the defensive snaps in the season finale.
It is unlikely Norman will be back with Carolina next season. He’s an extension of Wilks, who is now the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator. At 35 years old, Norman’s best ball is behind him.
Under contract
Jaycee Horn
When available Horn was one of the best cover corners in football. Through the first 10 weeks of the season, Horn allowed the lowest NFL passer rating of any starting cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus. In Week 10 he outdueled Seahawks Pro Bowl receiver D.K. Metcalf, holding the No. 1 target to 30 yards under his season average. He also had an interception in that game.
Horn needs to stay healthy next season for Carolina to play its best defense. In his two pro seasons, the blue-chip cornerback has missed 20 games.
Donte Jackson
Questions surround Jackson entering 2023 due to the ruptured Achilles he sustained in Week 10. He could save the team more than $5 million in cap space if he’s cut after June 1. However, the Panthers spent a second-round pick on Jackson in 2018 and signed him to a three-year, $35 million extension last season.
He could start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, giving him extended time to recover.
C.J. Henderson
Henderson had a bumpy 2022 season but he was the most consistent part of the Panthers’ secondary as Horn and Jackson constantly battled injuries. The Panthers traded a third-round pick for Henderson in 2021. He’ll continue to be a No. 2 cornerback who should not be asked to do more than he’s capable of doing.
Keith Taylor
Taylor struggled when he had to start against Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay. He allowed a combined 10 catches for 204 yards, one touchdown and eight first downs versus those teams. In a reserve role, Taylor is reliable. He had a bounce-back game versus the Detroit Lions in Week 16 but was benched in Week 18 for Norman.
Taylor is only entering his third year, but the head coach who drafted him in 2021 is gone. It’ll be interesting how tied the Panthers’ new regime is to Taylor and other middle-round selections from the Matt Rhule era.
Stantley Thomas-Oliver
Thomas-Oliver appeared in just three games this season and played exclusively on special teams. He is entering the final year of his four-year rookie contract.
Draft outlook
Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
Forbes is Pro Football Focus’ No. 7-ranked cornerback prospect. He started for the Bulldogs as a true freshman and intercepted five passes as a 19-year-old. This past season, Forbes intercepted a career-high six passes and returned three for touchdowns.
He is considered one of the best ballhawks in the 2023 draft class.
Tyrique Stevenson, Miami (FL)
Tyrique Stevenson entered the offseason as a Day 3 prospect but reportedly impressed evaluators at the Senior Bowl. He’s a Georgia transfer who started the past two seasons at Miami. His physicality mixed with athleticism and natural prototype cornerback size will force him up draft boards.
Potential free agent options
Troy Hill, Rams
The Panthers are likely to target rookies if they add cornerbacks but signing a veteran slot corner could add instant stability to Carolina’s nickel package.
Hill and Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero spent four seasons together with the Rams. Hill is projected to sign a one-year, $4 million deal, according to Spotrac.
This story was originally published February 22, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
