Thornton vs Smith-Wade for Slot CB

The Carolina Panthers’ slot cornerback battle is heating up as training camp nears, with Corey Thornton emerging as the frontrunner over Chau Smith-Wade. Thornton’s explosive performance at minicamp—after a strong rehab from a fractured fibula—has earned him reps across all three CB positions, including safety. With Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson locked in at outside corner, Thornton’s versatility and readiness make him the clear favorite for the slot. Smith-Wade, who held the role last year, now faces pressure to prove he can still earn a roster spot, especially as he’s also being evaluated at safety. The Panthers’ early camp start and Hall of Fame Game opener add urgency to this critical competition. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d11c3c877184150e