4 worst free-agent signings in Carolina Panthers’ history

Carolina Panthers Player No. 3: Matt Kalil (OT)

The Carolina Panthers though they had found their tackle of the future when they signed troubled offensive lineman Matt Kalil. The former No. 4 overall pick didn’t exactly live up to his promise during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. And the organization opted to move on from the player in 2016.

Kalil signed a five-year, $55 million contract with the Panthers that included $31 million guaranteed, which saw the player link up with his brother Ryan Kalil. It was hoped that the presence of his Pro Bowl sibling might have given him a new lease of life. But the USC product played one season that was littered with inconsistencies.

This was swiftly followed by Kalil missing the entire 2018 campaign with a knee injury. And the Panthers cut him soon after.

Spending big on players who provide prolific protection is something that has become commonplace in the NFL. So it’s hard to criticize Carolina’s logic regarding such a move. However, when one looks at the biggest mistakes that the Panthers have made in free agency throughout their history, then Kalil is high on the shortlist.

Kalil hasn’t seen time on an NFL field since his release by the Panthers. He came into the league as a potential bookend with a Pro Bowl ceiling. And although he did reach this goal once, it was a career that promised much and delivered very little.