Since their run to the Super Bowl in 2015, the Panthers have ranked in the bottom half in the NFL in pass defense. In 2019, they ranked No. 14 in passing yards allowed, giving up an average of 231 yards per game. 

This was a contract year for James Bradberry and he wants elite corner money, Tre Boston was on a one-year deal and the only starter returning in 2020 as of right now is Eric Reid. Some more help in the secondary would not hurt the Panthers as they try to get back to their dominant defensive ways. Houston cornerback Bradley Roby (5-foot-11, 192 pounds) may be able to help. He is our fourth 2020 potential free-agent target.

Career stats

Roby was selected No. 31 overall by the Broncos in the 2014 NFL draft. Through most of his pro career, Roby has been primarily a nickel back. He became a starter for Denver in 2018 and the Texans in 2019. In 89 career games, Roby has amassed 274 tackles, four sacks, eight forced fumbles, nine interceptions and 68 pass breakups. 

Pros

Roby is a corner who has the ability to play nickel or outside in any defensive scheme. During his first four years in the NFL, Roby was considered to be one of the top nickel corners in football. Over the last two years, Roby’s been lining on the outside or shadowing the opposing team’s best receiver. He has the size and speed to cover most receivers but he is better suited at the nickel role where he thrived in Denver. In 2017, Roby had his best year. He was ranked the third-hardest corner to complete a pass against, according to Pro Football Focus.

Cons

Roby has had some struggles the last two seasons as he transitioned to a full-time starting outside corner. Like Marcus Peters, Roby is sort of a gambler. He wants to create turnovers, which is fine. The problem is when he’s wrong it can lead to big plays. One of his coaches from the Broncos stressed that Roby stop “chasing the ball.” The coaches would have to work on his discipline.

Probability: Low

This Carolina defense has other priorities to address before cornerback. However, if the team loses Bradberry to free agency, then acquiring Roby would be more likely. Even if Bradberry stays, the team could use a true full-time nickel corner, and Roby could be the best on the market.

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