4 overhyped Carolina Panthers heading into 2020

Carolina Panthers Player No. 3: Russell Okung (OT)

The Carolina Panthers made arguably their strangest decision of the offseason when they decided to trade Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner in exchange for Russell Okung. This left the organization without any serious interior protection for new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, And they will be relying on players such as John Miller and Michael Schofield to fill the void.

The veteran lineman has enjoyed a standout career that includes a Super Bowl ring with the Denver Broncos. Expectations are high regarding Okung’s ability to be an efficient protector for Bridgewater’s blindside. But the simple fact is there are more questions than answers at this stage of the player’s career.

This would definitely put Okung in the overhyped category, especially when on considers how hard he has found staying healthy in recent seasons. Hopefully, there is still enough left in the tank to provide some assistance. But the hopes of him returning to a Pro Bowl level appear bleak.

One suspects that there were plenty of people scratching their heads when this trade was made. But it was probably done for financial reasons more than anything.

Okung is heading into the final year of his $13 million per year deal. And there is little chance of the player coming back to Carolina on this money.

This would free up even more funds to strengthen in free agency. And the Panthers could have around $90 million to utilize if they make the cut necessary to reach this figure.