The Carolina Panthers might be on the lookout for reinforcements on their offensive line in light of recent events.
It isn’t the easiest time for NFL teams thanks to the lingering impact of COVID-19 health concerns. The Carolina Panthers haven’t been exempt from this and were forced to go into remote preparation for the second time in three weeks ahead of their crucial NFC South divisional matchup at the New Orleans Saints this weekend.
Offensive lineman Michael Schofield became the latest to find himself on the reserve/COVID-19 list this week, with the free-agent signing playing five special teams snaps for the Carolina Panthers in their Week 6 loss to the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium.
He is the second lineman currently occupying a position on the list, with Tyler Larsen’s absence also giving the Panthers some real depth problems in this particular area of the depth chart.
With second-year-pro Dennis Daley also working his way back slowly from injury, bringing in additional help in free agency is something that is reportedly being considered by Carolina’s coaching staff. This would be a welcome boost for a unit that has performed well above expectations so far and according to Spotrac, they have around $5.56 million in salary-cap space remaining.
Let’s take a look at four free agents on the market who could come in and provide the Panthers with some additional options during a difficult time.
Ronald Leary – OG
One of the more surprising names on the free-agent market that would definitely be worth considering is Ronald Leary. The formidable interior lineman has enjoyed a fantastic professional career so far and the fact he is still sitting at home when so many teams need additional help on the line of scrimmage is incredibly strange.
Leary has enjoyed a tremendous career after working his way up to a starting position despite going undrafted out of Memphis. The guard spent last season with the Denver Broncos, giving up one sack and eight penalties from 754 snaps on his way to a creditable 58.4 grade from Pro Football Focus.
Although Leary is probably in the twilight of his career, there is little doubt he could be of use to the Carolina Panthers. Not only would the veteran provide some depth to their interior, but there is a case to be made regarding a possible starting job sooner rather than later given Chris Reed’s struggles against the Bears in Week 6.
It would have to be the right fir for Leary, who doesn’t seem to be chomping at the bit to get back involved at the pro level. A team with relatively little chance of making a deep postseason run might not be the most intriguing proposition, but it is a call the Panthers should make regardless.
It’s easy to forget that Cordy Glenn once signed a bumper deal that made him one of the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman. Things haven’t gone according to plan for the player since then, but he did do enough to earn a respectable 68.4 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2019 before things took a frustrating turn.
Glenn’s progress has been hampered by injuries in recent seasons. He was only available for 291 snaps last time out and the former Georgia standout would need to prove his health to the Carolina Panthers if they chose to go in this particular direction as there can be no more room for those susceptible to prolonged absences on the roster.
If he can do this, then there is a lot to like about the physical attributes Glenn brings to the table. The Panthers do have two cemented starters at the tackle spot in veteran Pro Bowler Russell Okung and Taylor Moton, who is fast emerging into one of the league’s best young protectors after an exceptional start to the campaign.
Glenn’s 6-foot-6, 345-pound frame might also indicate he could slot onto the interior if needed. This would take him out of the firing line on the edge and would probably be less demand on his body compared to what is normally associated with playing at the tackle spot.
Justin Britt – C
Tyler Larsen heading to the reserve/injured list last week leaves no viable replacement should Matt Paradis goes down with an injury. The center has enjoyed something of a renaissance after a disappointing 2019 campaign that has been a tremendous asset for the Carolina Panthers through the first six weeks of the season.
Justin Britt is experienced enough to come in and fill a backup role. He remains on the free-agent market after turning out for the Seattle Seahawks last season, where he gave up two sacks and one penalty from 504 snaps to secure a 62.0 grade from Pro Football Focus.
Those who can play center can also be of some use across other areas of the interior. The Panthers are down two linemen from their rotational options and adding someone like Britt would give them stability. It would also provide the organization with someone who has experience of being in a winning environment in Seattle, which would also stand this new-look roster in good stead.
This move isn’t exactly going to break the bank. All players like Britt are looking for at this juncture is another opportunity almost halfway through the campaign. But whether Carolina would go in this direction or aim their attention towards a lesser-known player with a higher ceiling is up for debate.
Eric Kush – OG
Eric Kush didn’t enjoy the best of seasons with the Cleveland Browns last time out. He failed to provide a commanding presence on the interior and was let go by the organization during the free agency period.
The former sixth-round pick hasn’t had much in the way of offers since, but he does come with a wealth of experience and there doesn’t appear to be much mileage on the tires in terms of prominent time on the field.
Kush coming in as a backup isn’t the worst idea in the world. There isn’t much the player hasn’t seen at the next level and this time away from the game might even inspire him to get back to the form of old.
This is an option worth considering, providing that Kush doesn’t suffer some confidence complications as a result of a down year with the Browns in 2019. Cleveland hasn’t exactly been the easiest place to thrive in recent seasons. So a potential turnaround if given the opportunity elsewhere might be just what the doctor ordered.
There wouldn’t be any immediate pressure on Kush starting right away, especially if Dennis Daley makes a return in the not-too-distant future. Blending him in slowly and giving the lineman a role on special teams would be all that’s expected, at least initially.