Latest news with #PanthersMinicamp
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2 days ago
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Could Panthers Land Hometown Hero Jaire Alexander
Could Panthers Land Hometown Hero Jaire Alexander originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It's not every day that a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback becomes available, but when the Green Bay Packers released Jaire Alexander, the NFL world took notice. And in Carolina, where offseason buzz has been limited, the idea of bringing Alexander home could ignite a fan base hungry for hope. Advertisement Alexander, a Charlotte-area native who starred at Rocky River High School in Mint Hill, has long expressed admiration for his roots. Back in his Louisville days, he made it clear that the Queen City held a special place in his heart. Even during a Packers visit to Bank of America Stadium, he named himself an 'honorary captain', a playful but telling nod to his hometown ties. Now, with his release official, the Carolina Panthers could present a compelling destination for the 28-year-old defensive back. It's a rare convergence of need, opportunity, and emotional appeal. On paper, Carolina has already invested heavily at corner with Jaycee Horn, a first-rounder with elite traits when healthy. But Horn has struggled with injuries, appearing in just 37 games over four seasons. Depth behind him, Mike Jackson, Chau Smith-Wade, and Shemar Bartholomew offers competence, not dominance. Add a healthy Alexander, and suddenly Carolina's secondary looks like one of the league's most fearsome. Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander gives the ball to a fan after his interception against the Bills.© JAMIE GERMANO/ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE / USA TODAY NETWORK The fit isn't just strategic, it's personal. Advertisement Alexander has spoken fondly of his desire to return to Charlotte, and there's precedent for hometown talent taking initiative. Just this offseason, Hunter Renfrow, another Carolinas native reportedly reached out to the Panthers looking for a chance to wear the black and blue. Could Alexander do the same? It's a question Panthers GM Dan Morgan can't afford to ignore. With head coach Dave Canales trying to reshape a roster that finished 5-12 last season, injecting energy and identity into the locker room is a must. Signing a player with elite skills, locker room presence, and a deep emotional tie to the city would check every box. Alexander's recent injury history, he played just seven games in 2024 might even help Carolina negotiate a team-friendly deal, something the cap-conscious front office needs as it rebuilds around Bryce Young. Advertisement The Panthers shouldn't just explore this opportunity, they should pounce. In a landscape where wins are earned as much in free agency as they are on Sundays, bringing Jaire Alexander home could be the bold, culture-defining move Carolina desperately needs. Related: Cam Newton Launches New BET Show, 106 & Sports Related: Bryce Young's Fiery Side Emerges at Panthers Minicamp This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
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Bryce Young's Fiery Side Emerges at Panthers Minicamp
Bryce Young's Fiery Side Emerges at Panthers Minicamp originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Bryce Young is done being quiet. The typically easy-going quarterback surprised teammates and coaches during the first day of Carolina Panthers' mandatory minicamp Tuesday, when he confronted Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn. Advertisement In a fired-up exchange, Young showed a shift in attitude and maybe in the Panthers' culture. Horn had overheard Young call a play in the huddle and tipped off the defense, down to the routes the receivers were running. Young didn't let it slide. 'Y'all should believe in yourselves,' Young shouted at Horn. The moment lasted more than 10 seconds, according to ESPN's David Newton. It also revealed a side of Young not often seen publicly in his first two NFL seasons. 'He's talking way more this year,' Horn said after practic. 'He's talking trash every day.' The current set of Panthers are far from being a contender on paper, but after seven straight losing seasons, the players believe Young being vocal is a sign of change. Advertisement 'Guys are finally sick of being the same old Carolina Panthers," Adam Thielen said. 'We want to get back to what they did here in the past.' Second-year head coach Dave Canales praised the intensity of his team, especially from Young. 'He just has a defiance to him,' Canales said. 'That's just kind of his way of competing.' Young earned back the starting job after being benched early last season, finishing the year with a five-touchdown performance in a 44–38 win at Atlanta. The Panthers followed that by selecting Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Another weapon to give Young more confidence entering his third season. Related: Steve Smith Sr. alleged cheating scandal takes a shocking turn over "Homewrecker" law Still, Canales said Young isn't coasting. 'Even when I took him out, he stayed in the center of it,' Canales said. 'He continued to lead.' Now, Young enters the 2025 season with a stronger voice and a team ready to follow him. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
