5 free-agent offensive tackles the Panthers should target in 2021
By Dean Jones
Eric Fisher
- 2020 team – Kansas City Chiefs
If Patrick Mahomes was hoping to have his offensive line intact after signing a historic contract extension, then the stud quarterback was out of luck. The Kansas City Chiefs parted ways with three starters over the last week in this area of the field, leaving the 2018 NFL MVP facing the prospect of working with entirely new and inexperienced protection next season.
Former No. 1 overall selection Eric Fisher was released unexpectedly, which put most of the league on red alert. The left tackle is one of the NFL’s best at the top of his game and his production in 2020 was still of the highest standard.
Fisher gave up three sacks and three penalties from 1,048 snaps during the previous campaign on his way to an eye-catching 80.0 grade from Pro Football Focus. Not having him in the Super Bowl really hurt Kansas City and played a leading role in their eventual defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so the decision to cut the veteran loose was purely financial.
The Carolina Panthers should put in a call where Fisher is concerned, even though most of the league will also be doing the same. This would instantly sure up their blindside and although it’s probably going to cost a lot despite the current financial predicament, the benefits are there for all to see.