4 players the Carolina Panthers shouldn’t have let get away

Carolina Panthers Player No. 4: Andrew Norwell (G)

The Carolina Panthers have plenty of questions to answer regarding their offensive line heading into 2020. That wasn’t always the case with the organization, who once boasted an interior that was among the NFL’s best.

A huge part of this was the outstanding production of Andrew Norwell. The offensive guard was a ruthless presence on the line of scrimmage. And he was equally adept as impacting the game on running or passing downs.

His rise to prominence from an undrafted prospect to first-team All-Pro is an inspirational one. Norwell worked hard to rise through the ranks with the Panthers. And it’s safe to say he made the most of the opportunity that came his way.

The player didn’t give up a single sack in 2017, which ended up being his last in Carolina. The Panthers opted not to offer him the sort of extension he was looking for. And Norwell eventually penned a five-year, $66.5 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars that included a $15 million signing bonus and $30 million guaranteed.

Norwell left the franchise in the prime of his career. And although Trai Turner managed to sure up one side of the interior. The Panthers have been found wanting in his absence.

This was a head-scratching decision at the time. And this has only been heightened given the current state of affairs.