The Carolina Panthers will have a competition for the second starting safety position throughout the spring and summer. The leading candidates include 2024 UDFA Demani Richardson, who took over as the starter late in his rookie season, and fourth-round pick Lathan Ransom from Ohio State. So far, the competition is neck-and-neck, while both players have received first-team reps with the starting defense.
If the Panthers don’t feel comfortable with a young player starting in Week 1, they could turn to a veteran free agent.
Carolina Panthers could be in play for the top free-agent safety
Justin Simmons is currently the top free-agent safety available. He spent the first eight seasons of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, including in 2022, when Ejiro Evero served as the defensive coordinator and now holds the same position in Carolina. Simmons spent 2024 with the Atlanta Falcons, where he recorded two interceptions and seven pass deflections and allowed a 59.5% completion percentage, 229 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an 81.9 passer rating.
The Carolina Panthers are linked to 2x Pro Bowl defensive playmaker
During an appearance on Philadelphia’s 97.5 The Fanatic, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler was asked where Justin Simmons might end up with in 2025. He listed the Philadelphia Eagles and the Carolina Panthers as the two leading candidates to land the 2x Pro Bowler. Fowler mentions Simmons’ connection with Ejiro Evero during his time with the Denver Broncos as a major factor.
“Simmons is interesting, because I think coming out of Atlanta, I do think he’s looking for that big scheme,” Fowler said. “That’s why the Eagles are on the shortlist there. It’s Philadelphia, it’s Carolina—has interest in Simmons. Ejiro Evero came from the Vic Fangio school. So that’s where I think you should look for Simmons.”
Here’s a look at the other available safeties
- Julian Blackmon
- Marcus Williams
- Quandre Diggs
- Jordan Whitehead
- Jordan Poyer
- Chuck Clark
- John Johnson III
- Marcus Maye
- Tashaun Gipson Sr.
- Vonn Bell
Also Read: Carolina Panthers: Host a Top Safety Free Agent for a Visit
