Panthers depth chart: Can the offensive line interior improve?
By Dean Jones
The projected starters
The Carolina Panthers depth chart offers plenty of experience with its projected started at offensive guard and center. Whether the trio can become a fully functioning unit with little face-to-face time before competitive action gets underway is another matter entirely.
Much will depend on the fortunes of Matt Paradis, who regressed slightly in 2019 and the jury is still out as to whether he can be considered a reliable option long term.
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The Panthers do have an out regarding his contract after this season that could possibly save them around $13 million in the long run. Paradis will be fighting for his job during the season and this comes with additional pressure.
John Miller was someone the Panthers identified as someone would could really solidify this particular area of the field. He signed a one-year deal with a base salary of $1.79 million that could rise to just under $4 million if the player reaches his targets.
The lineman is a brute force on the interior and someone that can assist in both running and passing downs. He allowed two sacks in 2019 but received a modest grade of 58.6 from Pro Football Focus.
He is someone that Panthers coveted and there is a chance he can provide the organization with a stable presence as Miller looks to secure a longer financial commitment from the team in the future.
Michael Schofield was another notable free-agent pickup from the Los Angeles Chargers recently. The player has a familiarity with the likes of Russell Okung and this will stand him in good stead as he looks to make a starting spot his own in week one.
The Panthers depth chart also has the possibility of moving tackle Dennis Daley to the guard spot after a dismal 2019 season. The player looked flustered on the edge for the majority of the campaign. This resulted in the former South Carolina standout giving up seven sacks.
It might have been too much pressure on a rookie to take on such responsibility so early in his career. So a move to the inside would take some of the pressure off and leave him on an island a lot less.