Carolina Panthers: 4 replacement options if Russell Okung retires
By Dean Jones
Jake Rodgers (Trade)
If the Carolina Panthers choose to be a bit bolder in the event Russell Okung decides to retire. Then making a move in the trade market is not out of the realms of possibility.
One player that should be high on their shortlist if they go in this direction if Jake Rodgers. The Denver Broncos backup was a standout performer during his limited time on the field in 2019. And he could be a nice option at right tackle that wouldn’t cost the earth.
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Rodgers has endured plenty of hardship since being taken in the seventh round back in 2015. It took him until last season to see meaningful minutes. But it is hard to argue that the lineman did not catch the eye in his 117 snaps.
Pro Football Focus has a similar outlook on Rodgers’ prospects. They gave him an 81.0 grade for his efforts. And the Panthers could use someone with low mileage who would be able to come in on the cheap and fight for a more permanent role with the franchise.
If the trade doesn’t work out, so what? Carolina will have bombed on the Okung trade if he opts to call it a day. So the little expectations they have of making an impression next season would take another body blow without their Pro Bowl left tackle.
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Acquiring Rodgers would give the player a shot at a prominent starting role for the first time. Taylor Moton would go over to the left. And this is a tandem that comes with plenty of upside.