5 free-agent offensive tackles the Panthers should target in 2021
By Dean Jones
Germain Ifedi
- 2020 team – Chicago Bears
Although Germain Ifedi was moved to guard by the Chicago Bears in 2020, there is a lot to like about his potential. Taking him out of the firing line was the best possible solution for all parties and brought some outstanding production from the player, but if he decides that he wants to return to the edge then it might have to be away from the NFC North outfit.
One problem that Ifedi had during his time as a tackle was discipline. He gave up an eye-watering 24 penalties over the last two years prior to his switch to the interior, which was reduced to five flags last time out.
This is a little concerning, to put it mildly. But acquiring Ifedi could be a high-risk, high reward option for the Carolina Panthers in their pursuit of getting better at protecting whoever is going to be the team’s quarterback in 2021.
Ifedi has the sort of versatility that the Panthers looked for in almost every new recruit during the first year of Matt Rhule’s reign. There is also a connection between the player and general manager Scott Fitterer, who was co-director of player personnel when the Seattle Seahawks selected the former Texas A&M standout at No. 31 overall in 2015.
The Bears are currently over the cap thanks in no small part to franchise-tagging wide receiver Allen Robinson for a second straight year. So it’s unlikely Ifedi is going to be offered an extension befitting of his talent.