Carolina Panthers Offseason Moves: Safeties

It's clear that Carolina may need some help in the secondary, but it's hard to imagine them doing anything with the safety position.

Chris Harris is arguably the hardest hitter in the NFL, and he's a lock to be the starter next year. Charles Godfrey did a good job this season, but they may want to bring in a veteran to help him develop, because he did have quite a few rookie mistakes this past season.

I don't see the Panthers using a draft pick on a safety because they just drafted Godfrey and he is still developing.

If you are curious, here is a list of the big name Safeties in this year's draft: Rashad Johnson (Alabama), William Moore (Missouri), Louise Delmas (Central Michigan), Patrick Chung (Oregon), and Jairus Byrd (Oregon). None of these are top-10 draft pick talent, but they can be first-to-second round draft picks. I still don't think that you will see any of these players in a Panthers uniform next season.

Me personally, I think the Panthers might want to bring in a seasoned veteran, such as Rodney Harrison, to help Godfrey become a great safety. Harrison is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but he is likely to stay in New England.

Brian Dawkins is another unrestricted free agent, but he has stated that he wants to stay in Philadelphia, so that's not going to happen even though it would be nice.

Both of these players are past their prime, but they are starters and they are good locker room influences. More free agent safeties include: Jermaine Phillips (Bucs), Yeremiah Bell (Dolphins), James Sanders (Patriots), Dawan Landry (Baltimore), Sean Jones (Browns), Mike Brown (Bears), Lawyor Milloy (Falcons), Darren Sharper (Vikings), and O.J. Atogwe (Rams).

As I said, I don't see the Panthers changing their safety position, but I would think someone like Jermaine Phillips could help them out a lot next season. Or they can bring in a veteran to help Godfrey, and even Harris, because he is only 25 years old.