5 Panthers players running out of time to earn new deals
By Dean Jones
John Miller – Carolina Panthers OG
John Miller was one of the primary targets of the Carolina Panthers during free agency. The decision-makers identified the offensive lineman as the man to replace Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner, who departed the organization in a trade that brought in Super Bowl winner Russell Okung.
It was a positive start to life in Carolina for Miller. He looked assured in run support and more than held his own protecting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in passing situations.
However, things are currently trending on a downward curve.
Miller has looked a shell of the player we first saw on the line of scrimmage in 2020. Carolina’s interior protection is on the decline overall and their deficiencies were there for all to see during a disappointing loss against the Denver Broncos in Week 14.
It’s clear that big changes are coming to this area of the field during the offseason, which might leave the former third-round selection on the free-agent scrapheap once again.
Miller has given up three sacks and five penalties from 712 competitive snaps this season on his way to a modest 61.3 grade from Pro Football Focus. But the Panthers might decide his $4 million salary-cap figure might be put to better use elsewhere if things don’t improve.