Carolina Panthers: Okung in ‘win-now’ mode following trade

Russell Okung does not want to hear any talk about rebuilding in the Carolina Panthers’ locker room following his trade from the Los Angeles Chargers.

Newly acquired left tackle Russell Okung is in no mood to hear talk of a rebuilding season with the Carolina Panthers in 2020.

The formidable offensive lineman was traded to Carolina at the start of free agency for fellow Pro Bowler Trai Turner, who went to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Okung overcame a life-threatening pulmonary embolism last season to continue what has been a standout career to date. He will now provide blindside blocking for new Panthers’ quarterback Teddy Bridgwater following his free-agent move from the New Orleans Saints.

There has been plenty of speculation regarding a rebuild in Carolina after consecutive losing seasons and the tough competition awaiting them in the NFC South next term.

That is not going to sit well with Okung if his first news conference on Tuesday was any indication.

"“I made it really clear, I’m not here to just rebuild. I’m here to win, and win right now. I don’t come out here to waste any time, and that’s the expectation across the board.”“I don’t really see us as rebuilding. The time is always now to go out there and compete, and put my best effort on the field and do my best. So I’m not thinking rebuild at all. If anything, those that are being brought in are going to make us better, a more talented team.”"

The Panthers have lost some seasoned veterans during the offseason and are expected to go much younger on defense with a number of upcoming NFL Draft selections.

Cam Newton, Greg Olsen, and Luke Kuechly have all moved on with either through free agency or retirement. Okung instantly becomes one of the most experienced figures within the locker room and that comes with its own responsibility.

The tackle also singled out Bridgewater and Christian McCaffrey for special praise and called the current lockdown preventing OTAs as a “potential equalizer” whenever the 2020 season gets underway.

A blood clot in his lungs almost saw him placed on the NFL’s reserve/non-football illness list to start the season and didn’t see the field until October 26.

"“I just want to cherish life. I could have easily died out there on the field. I’m glad I’m healthy enough to continue to play. It is what I love.“I won’t stop doing what I love to do. I can put three, five, 10 years on it. I’m coming after Tom Brady. I want to play that long. No, not that long. Long enough.”"