Panthers No. 69: Can Tyler Larsen do enough for a long-term deal?

Tyler Larsen is after more game time with the Carolina Panthers in 2020, but could this also see the player earn a long-term commitment from the franchise?

The clock is ticking for the Carolina Panthers ahead of their week one opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. Preparations will gather pace in the coming weeks as the organization gets set for training camp. And this is going to be pivotal for their chances of hitting the ground running.

With just 69 days remaining until the Carolina Panthers get their 2020 campaign underway. There are still plenty of questions surrounding the team after so many changes across the board. Things could go either way in terms of their record next season. So how this unit comes together in such a short space of time will go a long way to determining their overall fortunes.

Continuing our countdown feature ahead of the season, we now turn our attention to Carolina’s No. 69. Tyler Larsen is an experienced lineman who been a primary backup during his career so far. But there could be a window for a more prominent opportunity with the Panthers if he proves his worth to the new coaching staff.

Larsen is currently slotted in behind No. 1 option Matt Paradis at the center position. However, his place in the lineup is far from secure following a dismal 2019. And how he gets on in the opening few games is going to ultimately decide just what sort of future he has with the organization.

There is no doubt that Larsen will be ready and waiting if he eventually gets a chance to start. He has been productive in a limited capacity so far. And any increase in his role could see the player put himself in a good position for a new deal next spring.

Can Tyler Larsen do enough for a long-term deal with the Carolina Panthers?

Larsen is about to embark on the final year of his deal with the Carolina Panthers. He is set to make a $1.3 million base salary and count $2.11 million against the Panthers’ cap in 2020.

This is the biggest financial outlay that the player has received as a professional so far. He has been part of the Panthers for the last five seasons. And Larsen should now be entering his prime in terms of what he can bring to a franchise.

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Getting opportunities has been at a premium for Larsen. And this was especially evident in 2019. He was on the field for just 28 snaps during the previous campaign, which was a stark contrast to the 325 he saw in 2018.

The Panthers do have more incentive to give Paradis a prolonged chance to turn around his form. He will be making $5.5 million next season and count $8.8 million against Carolina’s salary cap.

This sort of money does not tend to result in a player going to the bench at the earliest possible opportunity. And it could hamper Larsen somewhat in his quest for more game time.

The lineman is versatile enough to move into one of the guard spots if needed. It is an area of real concern for the Panthers going into the season. And this is another possible option for Larsen going forward.

There is plenty to like about the sort of effort and commitment Larsen brings to the table despite his limitations. A regular starting position could be the making of him. And it might even provide the player with the sort of financial security he is looking for.