Carolina Panthers: 4 players who could bounce back in 2020
By Dean Jones
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 3. MATTPARADIS. player. 87. C. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Carolina Panthers Player No. 3: Matt Paradis (C)
One could argue that only Taylor Moton emerged with any credit from the Carolina Panthers offensive line in 2019. Another that underperformed considerably was center Matt Paradis, who comes into the campaign fighting for his future with the organization.
The lineman came to the Panthers with a big reputation after signing a free-agent deal from the Denver Broncos. He had a strong first year with the franchise. But Paradis regressed considerably last time around.
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With a new regime coming in and the money Paradis is set to make for the remainder of his deal. Any further drop-off in his play is going to see him become a prime candidate for release. The player will count $10.88 million against Carolina’s salary cap in 2021. And this would equate to $5.4 million in dead cap money if he is moved on.
This saving might be too much to refuse. But if Paradis forms a good relationship with Teddy Bridgewater and returns to the form of old. Then he might yet get to see out his current contract with the organization.
Despite the Panthers’ wholesale changes this offseason, there is still a need for improvements elsewhere. It would be a shock if the offensive line wasn’t bolstered during free agency or the 2021 NFL Draft with more expendable cash available on the cap. So the stakes could not be higher for Paradis heading into 2020.
A situation such as this could actually be the making of Paradis. And this makes him a good bounce-back player next season.