REPORT: Panthers lost bidding war for Denico Autry and Michael Davis
Day 1 of free agency saw the Panthers give a couple of contracts to depth or low-end starters on the offensive line in Pat Elflein and Cam Erving. Sources say that they were trying to bring in a few players on the opposite side of the ball but were outbid. Those players would be DL Denico Autry and CB Michael Davis, both underrated players at their respective positions.
Denico Autry was a very versatile piece across the defensive line for the Colts last season, getting reps at tackle and defensive end. Had he signed in Carolina, he'd probably be utilized much like Efe Obada, a nice rotational piece who gets a few more snaps than the average depth player. In 2020, Autry recorded 7.5 sacks, 9 TFL, and 10 QB hits for Indy, securing a nice payday with the Titans on a 3 year 21 million deal.
The Panthers must have been pretty confident in bringing in Autry after news broke late last night that fellow d-lineman Zach Kerr was released with only 1.3 million in savings. Beat reporter Alaina Getzenberg reported that the team doesn't intend to tender Efe Obada, after a disagreement between the two parties on his salary.
The Panthers also were discussing the possibility of signing Chargers cornerback Michael Davis, a sneaky underrated corner for the past few years. In 2020, he recorded 3 INT, a pick-six, 14 pass deflections, and 2 TFLs. Davis certainly fit the mold of a Cover 3 DB that Snow covets, standing 6'2 196 lbs. He would've competed for the No. 2 spot with Troy Pride Jr in the offseason barring a high draft pick spent on the position. However, Davis decided to return to LA on a 3-year deal.
Needless to say, I'd have been very happy with those moves had they gone through. I'm glad that Fitterer is trying to acquire quality players that fit the scheme after some lackluster free agencies with Gettleman and Hurney at the helm. I would expect the Panthers to target more players at those positions, along with tight end and possibly wide receiver.
What are your thoughts on the Panthers' involvement of these players? Leave your comments below.