Panthers like ‘competitive’ CBs, but there’s the unknown

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Cornerback Jaycee Horn has been sidelined by injuries for much of his four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, but coach Dave Canales considers him a key part of a rebuilt secondary for the 2024 season.

Panthers coach Dave Canales is curious about the cornerback room.

The first-year coach appreciated the recent free-agent signing of Dane Jackson to assume the lead secondary role.

After Jackson?

Well, Canales hopes Jaycee Horn can stay healthy and Troy Hill can continue to fight Father Time as he prepares to turn 33 years old.

Perhaps positional depth can be strengthened by fifth-round draft pick Chau Smith-Wade forging a rotational role during training camp and Dan Morgan finalizing a free-agent deal with ex-Panther Stephon Gilmore, a 31-year-old Rock Hill, S.C., native.

Surely, Morgan will be active as a priority NFL waiver-wire player.

The Panthers’ cornerback room promises to remain fluid as the new-look franchise works to distance itself from a humbling 2-15 campaign n 2023.
“Competitive group,” Canales said. “I’m excited to watch that group come together.”

With Donte Jackson traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for receiver Diontae Johnson, the Panthers continue to restock. On last season’s first depth chart, Keith Taylor Jr. and C.J. Henderson were listed as the two top reserves. Neither returned.

Canales will be looking for young players like Wade-Smith, Dicaprio Bootle, Lamar Jackson and D’Shawn Jamison to help boost a group that yielded the third-fewest passing yards per game (171.5) in 2023.

“We have some guys that are young players that have had a year in the system that I’m excited to see,” Canales said.

There’s another corner – Horn – whose health remains a concern. The Panthers picked up the fifth-year option on his deal, despite Horn appearing in just 22 contests his first three seasons. Horn dressed for just six games in 2023 after collecting three interceptions in 13 outings in ‘22.

Smith-Wade likely will initially line up as a nickel corner, but, at 5-foot-10, 184 pounds, he possesses the potential to work outside the hash marks if needed.

“A lot of coaches have seen me coming into the league being a nickel,” Smith-Wade said in April after the former Washington State standout was picked No. 157 overall. “My size is perfect for nickel, which is why I can see myself being a nickel. My lateral quickness, just the talents that I do have from an athletic standpoint.

“My quickness, my will to improve, one, and able to see different patterns and route concepts. I would say that about the nickel part.”

Jonathan Cooley, Carolina’s defensive passing game coordinator, is evaluating where Smith-Wade fits best.

“It’s to be determined,” Cooley said. “We haven’t played him much [at cornerback]. I think he translates immediately as a nickel. As we go through training camp and preseason, we’ll get a chance to experiment with him on the outside.  

“What he does have is a great mental aptitude. He attacks his learning.”  

Canales appreciated the rookie’s effort early on in his career. Smith-Wade may not have the ideal NFL height or weight but displayed an ability to stick with college receivers downfield. A mid-season injury limited Smith-Wade to just seven starts last season, compiling 35 tackles (22 solo) and six pass breakups. His two Senior Bowl interceptions helped spike his draft stock.

“He’s a worker,” Canales said. “He’s active, he’s always working on stuff, and I just love his focus.”

Morgan’s focus on upgrading the roster likely will lead to additional calls to Gilmore’s representatives to see if a reunion could be in the works.

When asked last if any progress could be reported, Canales shook his head.

Morgan will also keep a close eye on the league’s waiver wire. As the lowest-ranked team last season, the Panthers retain priority on released players.

“I think the pretty cool thing about us right now, we don’t want this to be every year, but we’re first in the waiver wire transactions,” Morgan said. “So anybody that gets cut, we’re gonna have first dibs to be able to claim them. I think we’ll be aggressive there.”

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