Panthers No. 75: Michael Schofield heading into 2020 on a high

Offensive lineman Michael Schofield is coming into the Carolina Panthers on a high after performing well for the Los Angeles Chargers last season.

The talking will be over in just 75 days relating to the Carolina Panthers and their fortunes in 2020. They will take the field for the first time in a hugely anticipated campaign that has the potential to go either way for the organization.

Given the number of roster changes that have transpired this offseason. Any success that comes their way is going to be a bonus. The Carolina Panthers are looking at the bigger picture. And their fanbase should too regarding any disappointing defeats from a tough schedule.

It’s easy to forget this is also a brand-new coaching staff that next to no experience in an NFL environment. Almost all of them have achieved plenty at the college level. But the next level takes no prisoners and if they are not up to the task. Things could turn sour quickly.

Continuing our countdown feature ahead of the new season, we now turn our attention to Carolina’s No. 76. Michael Schofield was brought in on a short-term deal late on during free agency. And he could end up become a day one starter to bolster the Panthers’ suspect offensive line.

Should Schofield win a starting job, he would be the second former Los Angeles Charger on the line of scrimmage after the franchise traded for veteran left tackle Russell Okung. There was a lot to like about the former third-round pick went about his business in 2019. But the acquisition of Trai Turner meant his days with the organization were numbered.

This was a decent pick up on the cheap by the Panthers. Schofield will make just $1 million in base salary going forward. Since represents solid value for a capable starter in the NFL. And if he can replicate his 2019 form next time around. It has the potential to make a significant difference.

How much can Michael Schofield help the Carolina Panthers in 2020?

The bar is not exactly high when it comes to picking up the slack from Michael Schofield’s perspective. The Carolina Panthers had considerable difficulty blocking on the edge and interior last season. And it played a considerable part in their overall downfall.

Whether or not this completely revamped unit is going to fare any better with limited time to build an on-field relationship before competitive action gets underway is up for debate. Schofield has the experience to be a plug and play starter. And his familiarity with the scheme is another notable plus.

Schofield played a total of 1,057 snaps for the Chargers last season and gave up just one sack and a solitary penalty. This earned him a respectable 63.6 grade from Pro Football Focus. But it was not enough to get a new deal in Los Angeles.

That might be something that could end up being to Carolina’s advantage. Schofield still has plenty to offer and is a low risk, high reward arrival who is coming into the organization on a high.

He has suffered his fair share of struggles. Most notably in 2018 and 2015. But Schofield is a good size for a lineman in the NFL and is surprisingly athletic for his 6-foot-6 frame.

Things might get worse before they get better in Carolina. All Schofield can do is perform as he is capable of. And he could eventually earn a long-term stay with the franchise.