7 tough matchups awaiting Russell Okung in 2020
By Dean Jones
Left tackle Russell Okung has a huge task ahead of him during his first season with the Carolina Panthers.
Veteran left tackle Russell Okung comes into 2020 with a tremendous amount to prove. The Carolina Panthers traded away Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner to the Los Angeles Charger to acquire his services. And this comes with a significant amount of pressure.
Okung has suffered his fair share of injury problems in recent seasons. This is something that has to change is he is to stand any chance of being successful with the Carolina Panthers.
When the offensive tackle is firing on all cylinders. There is little doubt he still has what it takes to play in the NFL. He has been one of the most productive left tackles in the game for a decade. But whether he has enough left in the tank for one last hurrah with the Panthers remains to be seen.
This was arguably the most bizarre move the Panthers made during the offseason so far. They are coming into the campaign with little expectations. So moving Turner has little to do with production. And was likely to do with the fact they can move Okung on after one season and spend big money elsewhere.
The player is going into the season on the final year of his deal and will make a $13 million base salary in 2020. He will be 33 by the time the 2021 season rolls around. So this is likely to be the final campaign where he earns this sort of financial reward.
When one looks at the Panthers schedule next season, it could be a daunting one for Okung. He is facing the prospect of locking horns with some of the NFL’s most polished pass-rushers. And how he handles the pressure will go a long way to determining his and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater’s success.
The list is extremely long. But here are seven matchups that could give Okung some serious problems in 2020.