Carolina Panthers executive Brandt Tilis recently discussed the team's ongoing efforts to enhance their safety positions following free-agent visits with Julian Blackmon and Marcus Williams. Despite the absence of immediate deals, these meetings serve a strategic purpose, allowing the Panthers to evaluate potential fits within their coaching framework and to establish a rapport with prospective players.

Currently, the Panthers' safety roster for 2025 includes only three players: Demani Richardson, Nick Scott, and Tre'von Moehrig. The latter's recent contract highlights the team's need for further depth and talent in the secondary as they navigate the complexities of free agency.

Julian Blackmon, the 26-year-old safety previously with the Indianapolis Colts, is visiting the Carolina Panthers. After a career year in 2023, he returned to the Colts for 2024 but faced challenges due to a shoulder injury that impacted his performance. Playing most of the season with a torn labrum, Blackmon's stats reflected a decline, with 84 tackles, three interceptions, and a completion rate against him of 65% on 23 targets.

The Panthers are seeking to bolster their defense and Blackmon's experience and recent performance could make him a valuable addition. His versatility to play both strong and free safety adds to his attractiveness to Carolina's defensive scheme.

The Carolina Panthers are actively pursuing improvements in their secondary, hosting free-agent safeties Julian Blackmon and Marcus Williams for visits. Blackmon, the former third-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts, has had a solid five-year career, tallying 300 tackles and 10 interceptions. Meanwhile, Williams, a second-round pick from the Saints, brings a wealth of experience with 469 tackles and 20 interceptions over his eight seasons. Carolina, which had only one safety on its roster before free agency, signed Tre'von Moehrig to a lucrative deal and added veteran Nick Scott back to the mix. The Panthers aim to strengthen their defense in a competitive NFC South.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been active in the off-season, making ten free-agent signings and holding ten draft picks. Despite their robust activity, they still have $35.73 million in cap space, which ranks them 10th in the NFL. This financial flexibility could allow them to make additional moves, particularly to address their needs along the defensive line, although the current strategy suggests they may prioritize rookie development over signing veterans.

General Manager James Gladstone emphasized the importance of giving draft picks the opportunity to play, potentially limiting future acquisitions. However, there are still valuable options available in free agency. Players like wide receiver Elijah Moore, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., and safety Julian Blackmon represent potential upgrades at critical positions without significantly impacting the budget. Moore, in particular, has shown promise in the slot, and Samuel's playmaking ability could bolster the secondary.

The NFL free agency is set to begin this week, prompting teams to make pivotal roster decisions for the 2025 season. The Indianapolis Colts, reflecting on a lackluster 2024 season, face critical choices about player retention. Notably, defensive starters like Julian Blackmon, E.J. Speed, and Dayo Odeyingbo are on the chopping block, with Odeyingbo expected to command the highest contract. After four seasons with 16.5 career sacks and a standout eight-sack performance in 2023, his value has skyrocketed. Experts suggest he could earn up to $20 million annually, with the Washington Commanders emerging as a potential suitor given their ample cap space.

Despite a strong case for Odeyingbo, the Colts' financial constraints complicate matters. With only $40 million in cap space compared to Washington's $80 million, retaining Odeyingbo alongside younger options like Laiatu Latu—drafted in the first round—becomes increasingly challenging. The Colts’ defensive strategy under new coordinator Lou Anarumo could play a crucial role in their decision-making process as they aim to solidify their pass-rushing capabilities.