Demani Richardson

Career StatsD-

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		27	1	2	58
2025		13	0	0	7
2024		14	1	2	51

Updated Mar 18, 2026

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Panthers took a low-risk flyer on Demani Richardson with this $1.1M deal, but even at that modest price point, this contract earns a D+ CVI as a slight overpay for what amounts to a depth piece safety. Richardson's production profile suggests he's firmly in the replacement-level tier, making it questionable why Carolina committed guaranteed money rather than exploring cheaper alternatives or undrafted options who could provide similar value. At 25, Richardson isn't a developmental prospect with significant upside, and his track record indicates he's more suited for special teams and emergency depth rather than meaningful defensive snaps. The minimal financial commitment does limit downside risk, but spending $1.1M on a player who grades as a depth piece reflects poor resource allocation when that money could have been better deployed elsewhere on the roster. This signing feels like the Panthers reaching for familiarity or scheme fit rather than maximizing value, and while it won't cripple their salary cap, it represents the kind of marginal overspend that adds up over time.

Performance Analysis

Demani Richardson earns a D- for the Panthers at safety, a young player who has been struggling to find his footing in Carolina's defense. Richardson has shown some willingness to be physical in run support, but his coverage ability is a significant weakness. He has been exploited by opposing passing attacks when on the field, which has limited his snap count. The Panthers are rebuilding their secondary, and Richardson is one of many young players competing for a role. His development has been slower than expected, and the margin for error on a rebuilding roster is thin.

Fan Sentiment

A low-risk practice squad reclamation signing with minimal immediate impact for Carolina. Five headlines covered the move, mostly buried beneath the Hunter Renfrow release news. The key signal is Carolina's unsettled safety depth, with the starting spot opposite Moehrig still openly contested. Fans are more focused on who wins the starting safety job than this depth addition. Richardson will compete for a roster spot but likely remains a practice squad depth piece.