Carolina Panthers: 4 players who could regress in 2020
By Dean Jones
Matt Paradis
The Carolina Panthers have made a lot of moves to bolster their offensive line since Matt Rhule arrived with the franchise. Center Matt Paradis seems to have avoided the cull initially, but there are still plenty of questions surrounding the player heading into the new season.
The former sixth-round pick was disappointing in 2019, giving up three sacks which were tied-fourth for players operating at the position. Carolina’s interior protection was abysmal overall and the organization will be hoping Paradis can return to his form of old with a more cohesive unit around him.
If things continue on a downward slide for the player, then he is a huge candidate for release in 2021. The Panthers have an out on Paradis’ deal after this season, which would represent a saving of around $13 million and count $5.4 million in dead cap money.
When one looks at it this way, then Paradis is essentially playing for his Panthers’ future next season. This will not be helped by the lack of face-to-face time with the revamped offensive line due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Paradis not only has to gel with his new lineman. But the player will also need to get on the same page as Teddy Bridgewater to avoid further complications down the line.
This is a huge responsibility for Paradis to shoulder in 2020 and it remains to be seen whether he is up to the task.