5 AFC North free agents the Panthers could target in 2021
By Dean Jones
Matt Skura – C
- 2020 team – Baltimore Ravens
The Carolina Panthers have some big problems on their offensive line. All five starters in 2020 could be classed as facing uncertain futures for various reasons, although CBS Sports reporter Jason La Canfora recently claimed that Taylor Moton will be getting the franchise tag with a view to getting a long-term extension down the line – which was priority No. 1 for the organization.
Matt Paradis could become a salary-cap casualty with finances at a premium this offseason. It’s a deep class for offensive linemen that Carolina should take advantage of. But if they want a veteran that might not cost the earth, then they might turn their attention to someone like Matt Skura.
The center played 656 snaps for the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, giving up one sack and three penalties on his way to a less than stellar 50.3 grade from Pro Football Focus. Skura also has experience playing at one of the guard positions, with this sort of versatility something the Panthers sought heavily during their recruitment process last time around.
It seems unlikely that Skura will ever remove Patrick Mekari from the starting center spot. So the former Duke standout would welcome the opportunity to join an offense in Carolina that is loaded with playmakers.