6 projections for the Carolina Panthers in 2021 free agency
By Dean Jones
Re-sign Russell Okung
- three years, $50 million. ($16.67M APY): $32.5M total guaranteed, $22.5M fully guaranteed at signing.
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers could be set for a makeover on their offensive line in the coming months. One could easily make a case for up to four of the five starters not being brought back and that is without taking into consideration Taylor Moton’s contract situation.
Russell Okung is one such player. The experienced left tackle was acquired via trade prior to the campaign that saw Trai Turner move to the Los Angeles Chargers and although he is still performing at a decent level, the wear and tear on his body is starting to take its toll.
The Pro Bowler and Super Bowl winner has featured in just seven games this season, giving up three sacks and four penalties from 403 snaps on his way to a 73.0 grade from Pro Football Focus. PFF actually ranks Okung as their No. 32 free-agent, even with his unreliability to stay on the field.
Carolina getting rid of Okung’s $13 million in base salary is welcomed in the current climate. Teams across the league are bracing themselves for the salary-cap reduction due to COVID-19 revenue losses and this means some tightening of the purse strings for most.
It would be an eyebrow-raiser if the Panthers extended Okung, and certainly at the price projected by PFF.