The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had their second former player sign with the Carolina Panthers this week; this time in cornerback Javien Elliott.
The Carolina Panthers have had a busy week. First they clear cap space by restructuring wide receiver Torrey Smith’s contract, then signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. Little did we expect, McCoy was not the only former Buccaneers to sign in Charlotte this week.
Former Buccaneers’ defensive back Javien Elliott officially inked a deal with the Panthers today. The details of the deal have not been disclosed to this point, however, this late into the offseason the length and money is expected to be minimal.
Elliott, entering his fourth year in the league, had played his entire career in Tampa Bay up to this point. He started a total of six games for the Buccaneers in that time frame and recorded just one interception while knocking down an additional two passes.
According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Elliott scored as an average cornerback with a tally of 63.8. With the complete overhaul of the secondary this offseason, there was no room left at the inn for Elliott.
This offseason, the Buccaneers have upgraded their horrid secondary by signing safety Kentrell Brice. In addition they used all of their day-two picks on defensive backs, selecting Sean Murphy-Bunting, Jamel Dean, and Mike Edwards.
The cost of doing business in the NFL is allowing players to walk in free agency. It just so happens two this year will see the Buccaneers twice per year. Tampa Bay takes their upgraded secondary to Carolina to face Elliott and McCoy week two.