5 Panthers who look primed for long-term deals through Week 5

Taylor Moton – Carolina Panthers OT

This one is going to cost the Carolina Panthers in a big way.

Taylor Moton‘s rise to one of the NFL’s best edge protectors in longer up for debate. His exceptional level of production through five weeks of the season has been extraordinary and further proof of just what a rare talent he is.

The former second-round pick has yet to give up a sack from 332 snaps and has only conceded one penalty during this time. Moton’s eye-catching 81.1 grade from Pro Football Focus is a just reward for just how well he has fared in the face of some stern opposition and this is sure to come with a substantial payday when the time comes to get down to contract talks.

He is playing on the last year of his current deal and is making just over $1 million in base salary. Moton is projected to command an annual salary of $16.3 million on his next deal by Spotrac, which would put him among the NFL’s highest earners at the position.

Judging by what we have seen from the player, he is worth every penny.

Good tackles are hard to find, but great ones come around once in a blue moon. Moton now falls into this category and getting him tied down to a lengthy extension should be priority No. 1 for the Panthers next spring.