3 free-agent linebackers the Panthers could sign post-draft
By Dean Jones
Alec Ogletree
Much was expected of Alec Ogletree when he penned a five-year, $42 million contract with the New York Giants. Although he has performed admirably, he didn’t prove worthy of such a financial investment and was subsequently released this offseason.
He is still owed a considerable amount by the Giants, so it would be a surprise if the former first-round pick out of Georgia is not willing to take a low offer to continue his career in 2020.
Ogletree boasts seven years’ experience in the NFL and has had moderate success. That being said, there appears to be plenty still in the tank and his communication from the inside linebacker spot would be especially beneficial to the Carolina Panthers’ young core in the short-term.
The veteran recorded 80 combined tackles (48 solo), one sack, and one interception in 2019. He was on the field for 76 percent of the Giants’ defensive snaps in the 13 games he was available.
His mediocre play didn’t live up to his lofty contract and releasing the player saved the Giants $8.25 million in salary-cap space, so it was an easy decision to make from a financial perspective.
The Panthers might be wary of making such a move given their own salary cap difficulties. A move such as this would also go away from their efforts to go younger, even if it is just a one-year deal.