Carolina Panthers: 4 replacement options if Russell Okung retires
By Dean Jones
A Taylor Moton/Greg Little tackle combination
If the Carolina Panthers decided not to bring in any significant reinforcements if Russell Okung retires over health grounds. Then moving Taylor Moton over to left tackle seems like the most realistic option.
Moton is one of the NFL’s brightest young protectors. And his last two seasons have been a further reflection of his exceptional potential.
Another strong year on the edge would put Moton in a strong position heading into contract talks next spring. He is due to make a little more than $1 million in base salary on the final season of his deal. And he is expected to command an annual salary of $14 million for his next contract, according to Spotrac.
Shifting Moton over to the left-hand side would leave a huge void at the right tackle spot. Greg Little is a former second-round pick who suffered his fair share of inconsistencies last time out. And throwing him in at the deep end once again might do more harm than good.
Little gave up three sacks and three penalties from 224 snaps in 2019. This earned him a 52.7 grade from Pro Football Focus. And the jury is still out as to whether or not the player can become a viable starter in the future.
This is a far from ideal situation. The Panthers are counting on Okung to sure up a pivotal part of the field. But with the player now mulling retirement, things might get worse before they get better in Carolina.