Rashaan Gaulden has a big opportunity at big nickel

[Sir Purr]

With Reid entrenched, there’s only room for one additional starter at safety. And Boston signed intent on being that guy.


“Obviously I want to be a starting safety, selfishly,” Gaulden said.


So you can understand the frustration. But it comes from a good place.


For what it’s worth, Gaulden and Boston have seemingly hit it off. From the moment Boston arrived, they’ve been chatty on the sidelines, going over concepts and helping each other in between plays.


“He wants to help us, bottom line,” said safeties coach Richard Rodgers. “He’s all-in in that regard. I know it’s not easy when guys get signed and that stuff, but he just wants to make plays and help us win.”


Gaulden will get an opportunity to do that. A big opportunity.


The Panthers are very intrigued with what the 6-foot, 200-pounder has shown as the “big” nickel – a slot defender who can match up against bigger receivers.


“I have to take that role. I’m going to do the best I can at that big nickel,” Gaulden said. “I’m going to keep making plays, and you never know, maybe they’ll want that big nickel in the game a lot more than we ran it last year.”


During training camp, head coach Ron Rivera indicated Gaulden's role would be significant despite Boston's arrival.


"We think that (big nickel) is going to truly suit him very well," Rivera said. "He's got a role, definitely."


The Panthers have an ongoing competition for the “small” nickel role, but Gaulden’s unique skill set leaves the door open for him to get some work in that scenario. It’s a tough matchup against the shifty little slot receivers, but it’s a matchup that works to the Panthers’ advantage if the offense tries to run the ball.


Gaulden has also shown a knack for blitzing, which we saw in the preseason opener at Chicago.