NFL news: 5 offseason needs for the Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers: 5 offseason needs in 2020

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 12: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter of their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 24: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints is defended by James Bradberry #24 of the Carolina Panthers during a NFL game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 24, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

2. A shutdown cornerback

The Panthers would love to bring Bradberry back in 2020, but the talented cornerback seems determined to test the free agent market. That makes the chances of him coming back to Carolina next season look a lot more like a 50/50 proposition.

If Bradberry leaves, Carolina starts to look very shallow at cornerback. Donte Jackson flashes out wide, but his long-term future is likely best served in the slot. Ross Cockrell shouldn’t be anything more than a nickel or dime cornerback at this stage of his career. Drafting a new starter outside becomes a necessity if Bradberry walks via free agency.

Even if he does return on a reasonable contract, it remains a position of need for Carolina. The NFC South is full of talented receivers. Matching up with guys like MIchael Thomas or Julio Jones will require the Panthers to invest heavily at cornerback.

Finding value at corner is a difficult proposition for Carolina this offseason, but it’s a needle the new regime in Charlotte has to find a way to thread successfully. Whether it’s in the draft or a value free agent signing the Panthers have to find a new starter on the outside.

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