The Panthers have re-signed exclusive rights free agent CB Cole Luke to a one-year deal, the team announced. Luke finally got his first taste of regular season action last year, appearing in eight games for Carolina.
Luke, a Notre Dame product, hooked on with the Panthers as a UDFA in 2017. He spent most of his rookie season on IR with an ankle injury, and he was on he club’s practice squad for the entire 2018 campaign.
He got bumped up from the taxi squad halfway through the 2019 season, though most of his work came on special teams. He played just 15 defensive snaps against 117 special teams snaps, and he recorded two total tackles.
Still, the Panthers are in something of a transition period, and corners James Bradberry, Ross Cockrell, and Javien Elliott are all eligible for unrestricted free agency. While Carolina will almost certainly bring back Bradberry, there could be an opportunity for Luke to climb the depth chart in 2020.
What is this “exclusive rights” FA thing Rory? Is there a glossary article on it please?
It’s new to me…..
ERFA players with under 2 or 3 years of service that have their contract expired and can only sign back to the team that has control of them. normally ending in getting a 1 year minimum
Thanks!
Donte Jackson and James Bradberry will be on top of the depth chart, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Luke and Elder are used frequently especially if Javien Elliot and Ross Cockrell leave.
How many eggs could Cole Hand Luke eat?