4 biggest priorities for the Panthers in the 2021 offseason
By Dean Jones
Fix the offensive line
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the Carolina Panthers are going to undergo a major overhaul on their offensive line this offseason. Four of the five starters are out of contract and center Matt Paradis might become a salary-cap casualty despite some improved production in 2020.
The first thing that needs to be done is extending Taylor Moton. The right tackle has emerged as one of the NFL’s best at the position and gave up just three sacks from 1,032 snaps on his way to a lofty 81.2 grade from Pro Football Focus.
Keeping him around won’t be cheap.
But it is essential.
Russell Okung is unlikely to be back, which takes $13 million off the books. So a long-term starter at the left tackle position is a huge need for Carolina. This draft is a deep one in terms of prospects who could go on to have successful careers and the Panthers should look to take one of them at the earliest possible opportunity.
The likes of Chris Reed and John Miller are unlikely to be brought back, which means Carolina has to find a couple more starters to improve on the interior after giving up 2.2 sacks-per-game, which as ranked No. 17 in the NFL.