Carolina Panthers: 4 realistic opt-out candidates in 2020
By Dean Jones
TAYLORMOTON. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OL. CAROLINA PANTHERS. 1. 87
Carolina Panthers Player No. 1: Taylor Moton (OT)
The Carolina Panthers have an offensive tackle with elite potential in Taylor Moton. But the player has plenty of mitigating factors that could see him opt-out in a contract year.
He recently became a father, so being around a new-born in the midst of a pandemic is a risk that the lineman might not be willing to take. You get a different perspective on life when there is a family to protect. And Moton might decide that playing in 2020 is something that would increase the risk to those around him.
There is plenty riding on the season for Moton, who emerged as one of the NFL’s brightest young tackles last season. His contract is up for renewal next spring. And another strong showing next time around could see the former second-round pick get a substantial payday either in Carolina or elsewhere.
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Moton opting out would be nothing short of a disaster for the Panthers. They have plenty of questions to answer elsewhere on their protection. And Moton was arguably the one player that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater could rely on for consistent production on almost every down.
Not having a potential stud on the right-hand side would be detrimental for the team’s chances in 2020. But safety will trump any football element to a player’s decision regarding their immediate future.