In a stunning turn of events, Damarri Harris’s tumultuous relationship with head coach Sean Payton has put him on the trading block, with teams across the league expressing interest in acquiring the troubled cornerback. The Denver Broncos, who have been actively shopping wide receiver Tim Patrick, are now looking to part ways with cornerback Damarri Mathis as well. Mathis, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh, showed promise in his rookie season under former head coach Nathaniel Hackett, but his performance took a nosedive under the leadership of Sean Payton.
According to reports, Mathis struggled mightily in the 2023 season, posting abysmal numbers with a 135.9 passer rating when targeted and a dismal 35.2 PFF grade, ranking him as one of the worst cornerbacks in the league. It’s clear that Mathis is not a fit for Payton’s scheme, prompting trade interest from teams like the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler revealed that the Broncos have been fielding trade calls for Mathis, hinting at a potential deal in the works.
The Carolina Panthers, who narrowly missed out on signing Stephon Gilmore in free agency, are now eyeing Mathis as a potential solution to their cornerback woes. With Jaycee Horn as their lone standout in the secondary, the Panthers could benefit from adding a player like Mathis to bolster their defense. Despite his struggles in 2023, Mathis’s rookie season showed promise, and a change of scenery could reignite his career in Carolina.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs, known for their high-octane offense led by Patrick Mahomes, are also in the mix for Mathis. With the potential for shootouts against elite quarterbacks in their conference, the Chiefs could use all the help they can get on defense. Adding a young talent like Mathis to their secondary could provide a significant boost and improve their chances of contending in a competitive AFC.
As trade talks continue to swirl around Damarri Mathis, it remains to be seen which team will ultimately strike a deal to acquire the talented but troubled cornerback. Stay tuned as the NFL offseason heats up with potential trades and roster shuffling. Who knows, Mathis could be the missing piece that propels a team to success in the upcoming season.
As this saga unfolds, one thing is certain: Damarri Mathis’s future in the NFL is anything but certain. Will he bounce back from a disappointing season, or will he continue to struggle under the weight of expectations? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—Mathis’s journey in the league is far from over.
