The Panthers announced that they have released safety Tre Boston. Fullback Devon Johnson, cornerback Lou Young, and tackles Jack Rodgers and Jordan Rigsbee have also been shown the door.
Less than two months ago, it was reported that “at least one team” had reached out to the Panthers to inquire about Boston. His release at this juncture of the offseason comes as a bit of a surprise since the Panthers did not draft a safety last week. Boston appeared in 15 games (10 starts) last season and was projected to return as the team’s starting free safety in 2017.
Boston graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 46 safety last season, putting him in a three-way tie with Jairus Byrd and George Iloka. Boston’s coverage grades were not as strong as Byrd or Iloka, but he made up ground with a better showing in terms of pass rush. Boston’s 78.1 overall score stands as a career high, though he was roughly on the same plane in 2014 and 2015.
The Panthers currently have 86 players on the roster. After dropping Boston, they still have eight safeties on the roster: Mike Adams, Kurt Coleman, Colin Jones, Dean Marlowe, Travell Dixon, Dezmen Southward, Brian Blechen, and L.J. McCray.