The Carolina Panthers are bringing a familiar face back to the sidelines, hiring former NFL safety Mike Adams as part of the league's Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. Adams, now 45, played for the Denver Broncos from 2012 to 2013, starting all 16 games in his first season and seven more in 2013 when the team reached the Super Bowl with Peyton Manning at the helm. During his two-year stint in Denver, he racked up 144 tackles, 17 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, one interception, and a sack across 32 games.

Adams brings a wealth of experience to Carolina, having suited up for six different teams over a 16-year playing career—including a previous stop with the Panthers from 2017 to 2018. He's no stranger to coaching, either, having worked with the Chicago Bears in 2021 and the New York Giants from 2023 to 2025. Now, he's back in Charlotte, ready to pass on his knowledge to a new generation of defensive backs.

In other ex-Bronco news, the Giants have waived wide receiver Courtney Jackson, who originally signed with Denver as an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas State last year. Jackson didn't make the Broncos' 53-man roster but later earned a Super Bowl ring as a member of the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly eyeing Dave Ziegler for their open general manager position. Ziegler, who started his NFL career as a player personnel assistant with the Broncos in 2010, currently serves as an assistant GM with the Tennessee Titans.

For fans tracking player and coach movements, these moves highlight the ongoing connections between former Broncos and the rest of the league—a reminder that Denver's influence stretches far beyond the Mile High City.