4 New Year’s resolutions for the Carolina Panthers in 2021
By Dean Jones
Get better protection
The Carolina Panthers look set to stick with Teddy Bridgewater in 2021, which is down in no small part to the contract given to the signal-caller by departed general manager Marty Hurney. This is the predicament they find themselves in, so getting better protection on their offensive line is going to be crucial.
There is an argument to be made for John Miller, Matt Paradis, and Chris Reed all being moved on this offseason. Couple this with Russell Okung’s $13 million in base salary coming off the books and the Panthers’ line could look far different by the time 2021 rolls around.
And that is not counting the precarious situation surrounding Taylor Moton.
The right tackle has emerged as one of the best in the business this season with some flawless displays against some of the league’s most feared pass-rushers. Moton is out of contract this spring and is set for a bumper payday when it’s time to head to the bargaining table, which Carolina would be wise to give him due to his outstanding production and significant questions at every other position in a critical area of the field.
Carolina is giving up 1.8 sacks-per-game, which is ranked No. 24 in the NFL. However, Bridgewater has been dropped 11 times over the last three games and this is a trend that needs to change at the earliest possible opportunity if they want to be considered as legitimate postseason contenders down the line.