5 free-agent interior offensive linemen the Panthers could target

Senio Kelemete – G

• 2020 team – Houston Texans

If the Carolina Panthers decided to look a little bit further down the pecking order for someone who could improve their interior protection, then Senio Kelemete is an option to put on the shortlist. Any out of contract player on the Houston Texans is going to do whatever they can to find a better option considering the state of the franchise, which could see the guard make a move elsewhere this spring.

Kelemete has been a solid if not spectacular performer over the last two seasons. He is a reliable presence on passing downs and can help create lanes against the run, so there is a lot to like about bringing him in on a short-term deal with plenty of incentives.

Another potential positive where the Panthers are concerned is Kelemete’s previous relationship with Deshaun Watson, the elite quarterback who Carolina’s No. 1 target this offseason. Getting a veteran on the line of scrimmage he is already familiar with won’t hurt, but much more will be needed to get this bombshell deal over the line.

The former fifth-round pick also has extensive knowledge of the NFC South having played four seasons with the New Orleans Saints. So it would be a shock if Kelemete’s transition wasn’t a smooth one in this scenario.