The Carolina Panthers could be in the market for a cornerback. Though the team has two solid starters on the boundary in Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson, they could use an upgrade over Chau Smith-Wade in the nickel position.
There are still a few decent nickel corners left on the free agency market, but Panthers Wire’s Anthony Rizzuti believes Carolina should try to trade for Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson.
Robertson could appeal as an option at the nickel spot. The sixth-year veteran, who is expected to be ready for Week 1 after breaking his arm in the playoffs, is entering the final season of his contract and could face some competition from 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Robertson played over 600 snaps for the Lions’ defense in 2024 and was solid, allowing a 57.5% completion rate on 80 targets and an 88.1 passer rating when targeted. The veteran played 409 snaps in the slot, but he also has the versatility to play on the boundary, which makes him a valuable defensive back.
Though Robertson impressed last year, he will be fighting for the starting spot at nickel corner in Detroit, as 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is poised to take a leap in 2025 after an injury-riddled rookie campaign.
Detroit could trade Robertson to make room for Rakestraw. The 26-year-old also has just one year left on his deal and suffered a broken arm in the Lions playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, though he is expected to be ready for offseason workouts.
Trading for Robertson would be a savvy move by the Panthers, as the Louisiana Tech product would immediately step in as a starter in the secondary and provide adequate play as the nickel corner. Additionally, Robertson is on an incredibly team-friendly contract, and a Day 3 pick should be enough to get a deal done with Detroit.
The Lions could hold on to Robertson even if he loses the starting spot to Rakestraw, as he is loved in the locker room and would be a fantastic veteran depth piece in Kelvin Sheppard’s defense. However, Robertson would be a nice fit in Ejiro Evero’s defense in Carolina, and he should look for an opportunity to be a starter in a contract year.
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