Carolina Panthers Add Depth to Defense as Training Camp Begins
The Carolina Panthers have made a move to bolster their defense as training camp kicks off, though it’s likely a minor addition rather than a game-changing one.
Despite their active offseason, the Panthers’ defense still had notable gaps, and heading into camp, fans and analysts alike expected the team to target positions like safety, cornerback, linebacker (especially after releasing Josey Jewell), and tight end, among others.
As training camp officially gets underway, the Panthers have finally addressed one of these needs, but it’s arguably the least urgent: cornerback. The team has signed veteran Tre Swilling, who has appeared in three NFL games. Swilling participated in a tryout hosted by the Panthers earlier this week, and out of the many hopefuls, he’s the only one to earn a contract so far.
Swilling, who stands at 6 feet tall and weighs just under 200 pounds, adds depth to a cornerback unit that was light behind starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Given Horn’s injury history, it’s a sensible move to add more competition and security at the position. However, with Horn and Jackson already on the roster, cornerback wasn’t necessarily the most pressing need for the Panthers heading into camp.
Swilling’s signing will likely lead to a corresponding roster move, and considering the Panthers recently released Jewell, it’s unlikely this will be the corresponding transaction. Another player may be cut in the near future to make room for him. While Swilling’s role may primarily be to provide depth during camp, it’s still an important step in ensuring the team is ready for the season ahead.
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