6 Carolina Panthers players whose stock is way up in 2020
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players have seen their stock rise in 2020?
Although it might not look like it given their record, the Carolina Panthers might have a bright future if the right sort of reinforcements come in this offseason. There are obvious problems that need to be fixed, of that there is little doubt. But head coach Matt Rhule does have some exciting young pieces to build a potential playoff contender down the line.
Just how far off that is at this juncture is still unclear. The Carolina Panthers have been competitive against some of the NFL’s best this season without quite getting over the line in close games. So providing the decision-makers make some shrewd moves in free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft, there should be further strides made next year during Rhule’s second campaign at the helm.
There are some members of the roster who simply haven’t done enough in 2020 and their fate is probably already sealed regarding new contracts or potential release. Others have seen their status and importance increase substantially which is a big shot in the arm for everyone associated with the franchise.
Here are six Panthers players whose stock is way up following their efforts this season.
Player No. 1
Taylor Moton – Carolina Panthers OT
There is little doubt that Taylor Moton is going to be a wealthy man at the end of the 2020 season. The right tackle has grown in stature even further throughout the campaign that is sure to see him become one of the NFL’s highest-paid players at the position next spring.
Carolina’s primary objective during the preparation period should be to tie Moton down to a long-term extension. This won’t come cheap, but if the Panthers want to realistically enter the postseason discussion in the coming years then they need their elite edge protector around to boost their chances.
If Moton somehow departed the organization, it would be nothing short of a disaster and should be instant grounds for dismissal where general manager Marty Hurney is concerned.