Way back when we had time to look at every team’s post-lockout checklist, we said the new Panthers coaching staff would have to make a quick decision on cornerback Chris Gamble in training camp.
The longtime Panther has a cap figure of $9.2 million this year and his mediocre play of late wasn’t worth it. Gamble was benched last year and didn’t have an interception.
New Panthers coach Ron Rivera has seen enough to know Gamble is staying put.
“I think we have a corner in Chris Gamble who’s still got some gas in his tank, and I think it’s good gas. [Editor’s Note: Is there any other kind?] I think the young man’s got a good solid 3-4 years where he can be your cover corner, your No. 1,” Rivera told Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer.
If the Panthers are going to surprise this year, Rivera will have to mold this defense into an overachieving crew.
Getting Gamble to play like a true No. 1 cornerback would be a huge start.
