The Chiefs have just signed yet another free agent this offseason. They’ve signed former Carolina Panthers’ linebacker Jermaine Carter, who spent his entire career with the Panthers previously:
Last season, Carter tallied 88 total tackles and three tackles for a loss, three QB hits, and a fumble recovery. Here are my initial reactions to this breaking news:
Chiefs Linebacker Core Just Got Deeper
With this signing, the Chiefs’ linebacking core has gotten deeper. Their starting linebackers at this very moment are Nick Bolton, Willie Gay Jr., and Jermaine Carter. The release of Anthony Hitchens showed that the Chiefs needed some veteran depth at the spot, which is what they’ll get. Along with this, Carter is a dependable tackler who can wrap ball carriers up with ease, along with showing a high motor. He’s also been known to be a great run defender.
In coverage, I would lean towards Carter as being average. On 38 targets, he allowed 29 completions (76.3 completion percentage) for 272 yards and a touchdown with a 104.3 QB rating. It’s not terrible, but it isn’t good either; it’s more towards the middle. Furthermore, most of the passing yards allowed came from yards after the catch, with 178 yards. So coverage-wise, I wouldn’t expect a ton of spectacular plays here.
Cheap Add On That COULD Be The Chiefs’ Third Linebacker
According to Matt Verderame, the Chiefs gave Carter a one-year, $1.77 million deal, which is relatively cheap given his stats last year. With that in mind and the stats listed above, I don’t think Carter is remotely locked in as the Chiefs’ third linebacker. While he did play solid as a starter in Carolina, the draft still exists, with the Chiefs holding two first-round picks. They’ve hit on the previous last drafts regarding drafting linebackers (Bolton and Gay), so it wouldn’t shock me if they hit again.
If that’s the case, Carter can be a good backup player who can come in and make plays when needed. If not, I can see Carter moving as a weak-side linebacker with Nick Bolton moving in as the middle linebacker.
What are your thoughts on the Chiefs signing Jermaine Carter? Leave a comment down below to join the discussion.
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