Tre

Boston

The team is parting ways with Boston less than a year after signing him to a three-year, $18 million contract. Bosto’s release will be after June 1 and save the Panthers $3.55M against the cap. The team could move Jeremy Chinn to safety, where he played in college. Boston has spent time with the Chargers and Cardinals, but has spent most of his pro career in Carolina. Boston in 2020 was graded by Pro Football Focus as the No. 124 safety in the NFL. Boston, 28, likely sign a team-friendly contract with another team this offseason.

The veteran safety spent a season with the Chargers (2017) and Cardinals (2018) but otherwise has been in Carolina for his professional career. That won’t be changing any time soon with Boston securing $9.5 million in his first season on the deal. Boston is far from perfect in coverage, but he’s made at least 53 solo tackles in each of the last three seasons.

Boston reunites with Carolina after having spent two unsuccessful stints with the Chargers and Cardinals. Only 27, perhaps Boston can conjure the same pedigree that resulted in him being drafted in the fourth-round just five seasons ago.

Boston will miss another game after sitting out last week. Rudy Ford should continue to see snaps in the Cardinals’ three-safety defense.

With Roman Harper back in New Orleans, Boston’s path to the starting job opposite Kurt Coleman is wide open. A fourth-round pick in 2014, Boston has played limited snaps on defense through his first two years, but he has three interceptions and a fumble recovery to his name despite the limited playing time. With serious questions at corner, the Panthers need their safety group to be sound.

Last year’s starting free safety, Kurt Coleman, is shifting to strong safety, replacing veteran Roman Harper, who hasn’t been re-signed to this point. Boston entered last offseason as the favorite to start over Coleman, but lost the gig in camp, and Coleman ended up third in the NFL with seven picks.

Boston aggravated his knee issue on Saturday. His status for the offseason program is unclear. Headed into the final year of his rookie contract, Boston started a career-high 10 games this season, and was reasonably effective. At the very least, he should retain his 53-man roster spot.

Specifically, one team called. For now, at least, the Panthers are holding onto the 2014 fourth-rounder, but that’s presumably because they don’t want to simply give him away. The proposed offer was likely a conditional day-three draft pick. Right now, Boston is the Panthers’ No. 3 safety following the signing of Mike Adams.

A fourth-round pick in 2014, Boston is the biggest name in this list, but the move does not come as a surprise. Despite a reasonably effective 10 starts last season, Carolina was reportedly shopping Boston in March after signing Mike Adams in free agency. 24 years old with extensive starting experience, Boston should not have to wait long to find a new home.

Boston is coming off a mediocre year in Carolina, but he is a 24-year-old player with 16 career starts. He’s certainly flier worthy for the Chargers.