Comments about a young underrated defender could show why the Panthers were against pursuing Jaire Alexander or Jalen Ramsey

It's been a wild NFL offseason heading full speed into training camp, but the Carolina Panthers have been noticeably quiet despite being linked to numerous veterans ripe for the picking.

As it stands, the Panthers are heading into training camp with the same roster the coaches worked with during organized team activities and minicamp, for better or worse.

The position with the most buzz in Carolina, and around the league, the last few weeks has been at cornerback. And the external inactivity from the Panthers at that position has reinforced the internal confidence in an underrated defender.

On Monday, ESPN's David Newton listed cornerback Chau Smith-Wade as the Panthers' biggest offseason surprise for the work he's put in this summer and the heads he's turned inside the building.

"It wasn't just obvious to sideline observers, it was obvious to teammates that the 2024 fifth-round pick out of Washington State had a stellar offseason and will be a factor in 2025. "Man, I think he's been the most impressive player,'' Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn said . . .

"Smith-Wade's ability to play corner, nickel and safety makes him valuable to a young defense trying to rebuild after finishing last in the NFL a year ago. "Chau took advantage of an opportunity,'' coach Dave Canales said. "He made tackles. He had an opportunity on an interception, and he made it.'' - ESPN's David Newton

All of those comments flew under the radar in favor of focusing on the top outside names. Veteran Pro Bowlers such as Jaire Alexander and Jalen Ramsey continued to be mentioned as options for the Panthers to go after to round out the position.

Since then, Alexander signed with the Baltimore Ravens and Ramsey was instead traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Carolina, meanwhile, is sticking to their guns.