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Panthers trying out kicker along with 4 others at this week’s minicamp

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule has been consistent in wanting to bring in as many players as possible during the offseason program to find potential fits.

That trend is continuing with this week’s mandatory minicamp. Among the players the Panthers are trying out is veteran safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The full list includes kicker Zane Gonzalez, running back T. J. Yeldon, wide receiver/returner Rashard Davis and safety Tenny Adewusi.

Clinton-Dix did not play last year and recently tried out with Houston during the Texans’ rookie minicamp.

Clinton-Dix, 28, is a former first-round pick out of Alabama. He has started every game he has played after his rookie year with the Green Bay Packers. Also playing for Washington and the Chicago Bears, Clinton-Dix has experience playing free safety and strong safety. He has had at least 75 tackles each season of his career.

Panthers defensive pass game coordinator/secondary coach Jason Simmons coached Clinton-Dix with the Packers in a variety of capacities until the safety was traded to Washington in 2018.

The Panthers brought in safety Lano Hill after the team’s rookie minicamp, but the team still lacks depth at the position. Jeremy Chinn is expected to play more of a safety role this year, and Juston Burris and Sam Franklin have starting experience. The rest of the group has largely been featured more on special teams.

Clinton-Dix was named to the Pro Bowl in 2016. He would bring another experienced presence to the defensive back group, alongside cornerback A.J. Bouye. Longtime Panthers safety Tre Boston was cut this offseason to save salary cap space. A majority of the secondary is on its first NFL contract.

The team has 90 players on the roster, which is the maximum it can take into training camp.