4 shocking cuts the Panthers could make to save money

Russell Okung – LT ($13 million cap saving for Carolina Panthers)

Okay, here me out on this one. The Carolina Panthers made the strange move to trade Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner for the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for left tackle Russell Okung this offseason. This was particularly bizarre when one considers the stage of careers both find themselves in.

There wasn’t much motive for the Panthers to make a trade such as this besides the financial benefits. Okung is in the final year of his deal and stands to make $13 million in 2020. It would not cost the Panthers anything to release the player this offseason. And it would free up more than enough money to sign their remaining draft picks and make some more free-agent additions should they wish.

Okung has had a real problem staying healthy in recent seasons. So there is no actually guarantee the franchise is going to get a consistent level of performance from the player.

While he may be more than capable of making an impact, it is clear Okung is well past the peak of his powers. But this would be the most shocking release out of the quartet and would cast significant doubt on what is already a patchwork offensive line.

The Panthers could just decide to cut their losses with Okung and move Taylor Moton to the left tackle spot. The current right tackle played well enough in 2019 to warrant such a move. Although it is a huge shift in responsibility.

This would mean Greg Little fills in at right tackle. The Panthers’ second-round pick in 2019 could take a leap forward in terms of development this offseason. So the move to release Okung might be more realistic than you think.