Carolina Panthers: 3 trade targets from the Jacksonville Jaguars
By Dean Jones
1. player. BRANDONLINDER. C. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS. 52. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Carolina Panthers trade target No. 1: Brandon Linder (C)
The Carolina Panthers have plenty of uncertainty surrounding their offensive line interior heading into 2020. The unit was a weak link last season and did not aid the fortunes of quarterback trio Cam Newton, Will Grier, and Kyle Allen one bit.
Perhaps the main culprit for the bad play was center Matt Paradis. The player made a series of errors throughout the campaign. And this has left his long-term future with the organization in doubt.
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Any further decrease in performance from Paradis would give the Panthers no other alternative other than to cut the player next spring. With no real depth at the position currently. This could mean the decision-makers explore the trade market for viable alternatives.
Brandon Linder was arguably the Jacksonville Jaguars’ strongest player on their offensive line last season. His outstanding blocking was matched by exceptional communication skills on the field throughout.
The former third-round pick out of Miami didn’t give up a sack from 1,083 snaps in 2019. This earned the player an impressive 75.3 grade from Pro Football Focus. Linder signed a bumper five-year deal back in 2017. And the player is still due $24 million over the next three years.
There appears little doubt that Linder represents a significant upgrade on Paradis. The asking price would be steep for a player in his prime. But this has the scope to transform Carolina’s offensive line.