4 biggest positions of need for the Panthers this offseason
By Dean Jones
Offensive line
The Carolina Panthers have some major questions surrounding their protection heading into the offseason. All five starters from the campaign have doubts about their future for differing reasons and it would not be the biggest shock in the world if there was a major overhaul in this particular area of the field.
Priority No. 1 for the Panthers should be to re-sign Taylor Moton. The right tackle is one of the best right tackles in the business and even though keeping him around won’t be cheap, it’s something Carolina has to do.
John Miller and Chris Reed are out of contract and unlikely to be brought back, so the Panthers are facing the prospect of acquiring two guards who are capable of contributing if this situation plays out as expected. Center Matt Paradis is another who could find himself subject to release despite an improved 2020 campaign due to the financial implications involved.
Paradis is due to count $10.33 million against Carolina’s salary-cap in 2021, which would represent a saving of $4.93 million if he’s moved on, according to Spotrac. This might be too tempting to turn down from the Panthers’ perspective, although it would be another blow to the continuity if Teddy Bridgewater gets another shot next time around.
The signal-caller also needs a more reliable blindside protector with Russell Okung and his $13 million in base salary coming off the books. The Pro Bowler and Super Bowl winner played well when healthy, but he’s featured in just 406 snaps in 2020.