4 realistic free agents for the Panthers to target in 2021
By Dean Jones
Cameron Erving – OT
- 2020 team – Dallas Cowboys
It’s easy to forget given the injury problems that blighted his 2020 season with the Dallas Cowboys, but Cameron Erving is actually a useful tackle at the top of his game. He has a Super Bowl ring to show from his early career efforts with the Kansas City Chiefs and although his free agency move to play for Jerry Jones didn’t exactly go according to plan, he shouldn’t be written off just yet.
A series of problems restricted the former No. 19 overall selection to just 279 snaps this season, where he gave up one sack and conceded a solitary penalty. The Cowboys might have been better had they been able to keep Erving healthy throughout the campaign and with their salary-cap situation looking increasingly bleak, they might be able to keep the Florida State product for a second season.
This is where the Carolina Panthers come in. They need some substantial reinforcements on their offensive line in the coming weeks, which begins with their main goal of extending stud right tackle Taylor Moton.
It doesn’t look like Russell Okung and his $13 million in base salary will be extended and the likes of Greg Little don’t have enough in the way of experience or quality to fill the void with any sort of confidence.
Erving has flattered to deceive for most of his career. But there were signs of life whenever he was on the field in Dallas and the Panthers should consider gambling on the veteran with a short-term deal that has plenty of incentives relating to positive performance.