The Carolina Panthers just keep plugging holes in that depth chart, this time focusing on the secondary.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the team holding residency in North Carolina have agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Ross Cockrell on a two-year, $6.8 million deal.
The #Panthers sign veteran CB Ross Cockrell to a 2-year deal worth $6.8M, per agents @reign_sports. With Searcy and Cockrell, two veterans get added in the secondary.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2018
Cockrell, 26, is a native New Jersey athlete who experienced a homecoming of sorts when the New York Giants brought him via the Pittsburgh Steelers to provide much-needed depth in the secondary. At least that's what Jerry Reese thought he was doing.
Cockrell ended up starting nine games for the Jints while coming away with three picks and 37 tackles. He showcased himself as a solid veteran NFL corner who can easily plug a nickel or dime slot and even a No. 2 role in a pinch.
The Panthers will be Cockrell's fourth team in five professional seasons.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills, he saw little action as a rookie. The following two years in Pittsburgh is when he really came of age as a legit cornerback in the league where they play for pay.
In addition, Carolina also adds safety Da'Norris Searcy, a seven-year veteran who's played the last three seasons with the Tennessee Titans.