Tre Boston will not be suiting up for the only NFL team he has ever known in 2017. On Tuesday afternoon, the Carolina Panthers chose to waive the safety. It was seen as a curious move, since the team didn't draft anybody at his position during last week's NFL Draft. Nevertheless, the move clears some cap space for other roster moves. He also wasn't the only person to lose his job on the roster for the day.
Release day in Carolina
Boston was the most significant release of the day for the Panthers. He was slated to count almost $1.8 million against the team's cap following the enacting of the Proven Performance Escalator clause in his contract.
The team evidently decided that he wasn't worth that price and decided to part ways with their former fourth-round draft pick.
Boston will be joined in free agency by several of his former teammates. Fullback Devon Johnson, offensive tackles Jordan Rigsbee and Jake Rodgers, and cornerback Lou Young were also waived by the Panthers as they attempt to make room for their draft picks and undrafted free agents. The team has agreed to terms with at least five of them, though none of them play the safety position that now appears to be a major void on the roster.
From Boston to Carolina
Boston was drafted out of North Carolina in the fourth-round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He was a second team All-ACC player by the end of his college career, so future football success looked promising.
He underwent sports hernia surgery before his first season even began, however, stunting his development. Still, he eventually became a starter during his rookie season with the Panthers. Just last season, he played in 15 games, registering 50 tackles, two interceptions, six passes defended, and two sacks. A knee injury ended his season - and evidently, his time with the team.
Without Boston, the team has some questions to answer at the safety position. The team did sign Mike Adams in free agency to play strong safety, but he's 36 years old. That move also allowed Kurt Coleman to move back to his better suited position of free safety. The team has plenty of depth at the position on the roster, but none of the backups are truly proven.
Carolina is most smitten with Dean Marlowe, a young safety who has struggled to stay healthy so far in his career. It will be up to him and the other safeties to validate the decision of letting Boston go without bringing in any draft replacements.
