Carolina Panthers: 3 current players that fans love to hate

Carolina Panthers player no. 2: Matt Paradis (C)

The offensive line was an area of significant disappointment for the Carolina Panthers in 2019. Much was expected of the group going into the campaign. But they massively underachieved and played a large role in the team’s eventual downfall.

One of the biggest underperformers was center Matt Paradis. He came to Carolina with a strong reputation when he signed a three-year, $29 million deal from the Denver Broncos that included a $9 million signing bonus and $12 million guaranteed.

Paradis showed encouraging signs early on. But he wilted in the face of some consistent pressure as the campaign wore on. He was also found wanting on multiple occasions in running situations, which was supposed to be an area of strength coming into the organization.

The player gave up three sacks and three penalties in 2019. He was often the subject of criticism from NFL writers and Panthers’ fans. So Paradis has it all to do in 2020 to prove his doubters wrong.

If he continues to show signs of regression, then the lineman will be a prime candidate for release. This would represent an overall saving of around $13.15 million. And it is a figure that could be spent better elsewhere.

There is an opportunity for Paradis to start trending on an upward curve again under new offensive coordinator Joe Brady. The Panthers’ offensive line has plenty of question marks going into the season. And the center will not have much time to develop on-field chemistry with new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.