Ronnie Stanley deal is a benchmark for Panthers OT Taylor Moton

Ronnie Stanley’s new contract with the Ravens is a benchmark for Taylor Moton ahead of contract negotiations with the Carolina Panthers.

Taylor Moton has been a standout performer for the Carolina Panthers this season. The right tackle can now be considered as one of the NFL’s best at the position and it is sure to bring some big money his way in the coming months.

The former second-round pick is heading to the negotiating table in the not-too-distant future. Moton is playing in the final year of his rookie deal, which is paying him just over $1 million in base salary. This might be a substantial bargain for the Carolina Panthers given his supreme level of production through the first half of the season, but that won’t be the case for much longer.

Now, Moton has a benchmark to aim for.

The Baltimore Ravens extended their stud left tackle Ronnie Stanley on a five-year, $122.5 million deal that is reported to include $70.86 million in total guarantees. This is sure to make plenty of offensive linemen across the NFL sit up and take notice, with Moton one of those who are sure to be looking for something similar from the Panthers sooner rather than later.

Taylor Moton’s presence is vital for the Carolina Panthers.

Carolina’s struggles on the interior protection were there for all to see once again against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football. They were unable to cope with the likes of Grady Jarrett and others throughout the contest, which was a key component in the Panthers losing their third straight in disappointing fashion.

This makes it all the more essential that Moton is tied down at the earliest possible opportunity. Players of his caliber don’t grow on trees and this should be general manager Marty Hurney’s top priority whenever the team decides to start planning for next season.

The longer the contract uncertainty surrounding Moton and the Panthers goes on, the more it’s going to cost them.

Spotrac predicts the Western Michigan product to command a four-year, $65.56 million deal that equates to an annual salary of $16.3 million – which is a rise of $2.3 million from what he was projected before competitive action began.

There is no need to panic for either party at the moment. And the Panthers could also slap the franchise tag on Moton if they can’t come to an agreement before free agency begins.

However, this is a situation the decision-makers have to get right with one of their star names.

Moton is an indispensable member of the Carolina roster, that isn’t up for debate anymore. Veteran left tackle Russell Okung might not be with the franchise next season if they decide not to extend him, which makes tying down the edge protector even more essential.

Stanley has been at the top of his game this season. But his Pro Football Focus grade of 81.5 is only slightly higher than Moton’s 77.9, which further confirms just what an elite level he’s playing at on a line that has been regressing considerably in other areas.

It will be interesting to see just what sort of deal Moton ends up signing. But more importantly, the Panthers have to get it down no matter what.