A look at the safety position in my series on where the money is for the Carolina Panthers:
Total position spending vs. cap: $5,206,992
Spending vs. league average: 30th
Breakdown:
Player Cap hit
Roman Harper $1,800,000
Kurt Coleman $1,340,625
Colin Jones $870,000
Tre Boston $611,367
Robert Lester $585,000
Analysis: General manager Dave Gettleman has taken the same approach with this position as he has at cornerback. Spend wisely and spend as little as possible. Thus, Carolina is 30th in the NFL in spending here without a 2015 player cap number in the top 45. Also like the corner position, finding veterans and young players to fill the role at strong and free safety has been key. If the defensive front excels in pressuring the quarterback, these players have to be solid but not great. In 2013, it was the combination of Mike Mitchell and Quintin Mikell. Last year, it was Harper and ultimately the rookie Boston after veteran Thomas DeCoud didn’t pan out at free safety. Harper and Boston are back, but Harper is 32 and in the last year of his contract. It would be a surprise if he’s re-signed for 2016. As insurance, the Panthers added Coleman at a relatively low number. Again, it’s all about bargains.
