The Panthers have plenty of fires to put out before they ever get to the idea of upgrading slot cornerback, but one outside suggestion has them tied to a familiar name.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report pointed to former Indianapolis Colt Kenny Moore II as a possible free-agent fit for Carolina, framing him as a veteran answer for the slot. Moton wrote:
“The Carolina Panthers should look for an upgrade at slot cornerback. Chau Smith-Wade has manned the position for two seasons, and undrafted second-year pro Corey Thornton is his only competition for that role...
Turning 31 in a couple of weeks, Moore should have at least one more optimal year left in his playing career. He's a Band-Aid option at a weak spot in the Panthers' secondary.”
Moore would be a recognizable name for Panthers fans. He had two pick-sixes against Carolina in 2023, and he made the Pro Bowl in 2021 after posting career highs in tackles with 102, interceptions with four and passes defensed with 13.
Still, this looks more like a hypothetical than a likely move. Carolina’s primary slot options, 2025 undrafted free-agent signe Corey Thornton and 2024 fifth-round pick Chau Smith-Wade, are not established yet, but both have shown promise. And with the Panthers already dealing with major needs at wide receiver, along the offensive line and off the edge, adding a veteran just to challenge that spot doesn’t feel like the most urgent use of resources.
For now, it’s the kind of idea that only starts to make sense if the Panthers stumble early in the season. Until then, there are bigger holes on this roster demanding attention.
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Pro Football Focus analyst Gordon McGuinness sees a possible longer view there, with rookie Sam Hecht sitting in the mix as a player who could force his way into the lineup before long. Hechts college tape gave him a reputation as a steady blocker in both phases, and Fortners one-year deal leaves Carolina with a built-in opening if the rookie keeps developing the way the Panthers hope. [Read more 🡒]