4 Panthers players who should retire after the 2020 season
By Dean Jones
Russell Okung – Carolina Panthers OT
There were more than a few eyebrows raised when the Carolina Panthers decided to trade for veteran left tackle Russell Okung in a deal that sent guard Trai Turner to the Los Angeles Chargers during the offseason. The Pro Bowler has seen it all during a prolific career. But the cracks are now beginning to show regarding his health.
Okung denied rumors he was considering retirement before competitive action got underway over COVID-19 concerns after the lineman missed most of the 2019 campaign with a pulmonary embolism caused by blood clots. He has performed well when in the lineup this season, even if that has been few and far between due to various injuries.
The Super Bowl-winner has nothing more to prove. And there is a real chance Okung decides that the juice simply isn’t worth the squeeze anymore.
He doesn’t need the money, of that there is little doubt.
Okung has accumulated $108.51 million in career earnings – including the $13 million in base salary he’s earning in Carolina this season – which doesn’t account for endorsements that have no doubt further boosted his wealth.
It doesn’t appear that the Panthers will be bringing Okung back next season and certainly not at his current financial commitment. This makes the upcoming offseason the perfect time for the player to hang up his cleats.