Panthers looking to bounce back in 2019; Bolster defence with signing of CB Joseph

by Crimsion | 8 years ago | 0 Comments

The 2018 regular season was one for the books in the eyes of Carolina Panthers fans alike. The team was able to secure their first NFC South title while winning 11 games on the year, but when the post-season came along the team shorted out.

In a Wildcard match-up against the Dallas Cowboys the air assault was in full force for Romo and company. Taking on a veteran like Romo was no easy task and the Panthers showed their weakness in full, giving up 254 yards and 3 TDs on the night. 

This put an end to the Panthers' season and the wheels began running in off-season mode. Unforutnately for the Panthers they were faced with some financial issues and had to let go of a handful of valued players.

Johnathan Stewart, Thoms Davis Sr, Bene Benwikere and Graham Gano were some of the few that saw their tenure as Panthers' end along with the season. In an effort to regain some cap room and fill the needs left by these departures the Panthers also parted ways with long-time full-back Mike Tolbert and right tackle Sebastian Vollmer.

Carolina will look to both Devon Johnson, who they believe can add an element of surprise in the pass game, and potentially Daryl Williams to step up and fill the shoes of these two veterans. 

With the remaining funds scrapped together with these depatures and cuts the Panthers looked to the following two free-agents for help:

CB - Johnathan Joseph - 12 Year Veteran (85 OVR)

It's no surprise that the Panthers would have needed to fill the void that Bene Benwikere had left in the secondary, but this move is more of a short-term fix. Joseph will return back to his college town of Carolina on a one-year deal and look to ignite some of the younger talent in James Bradberry and Daryl Worley.

Joseph is coming off a season where he recorded a career high 9 interceptions and 73 tackles, he may be shuffling between defending the #1 and #2 receivers week in and week out, but should be a solid addition to a struggling secondary nonetheless. 

DT - Griffin Bogle - 2nd Year Player (69 OVR)

With the unfortunate departure of Star Lotulelei the Panthers were left scrambling for depth at defensive tackle. Fortunate enough for Carolina they still have the services of Vernon Butler to rely on, although Butler has only recorded 5 career tackles in 2 seasons.

Bogle may not see the field much as Butler is still young and full of energy he will serve as a back-up to this newly appointed starter and could push for some playing time if he struggles out of the gate.

Next up for the Carolina Panthers is the 2019 NFL Draft.