4 best-case scenarios for the Carolina Panthers in 2021 free agency
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers get two starting offensive linemen
The Carolina Panthers may have got Taylor Moton tied down on the franchise tag. But there remains plenty of uncertainty surrounding their protection that needs to be solved at the earliest possible opportunity.
Center Matt Paradis looks to be sticking around after restructuring his deal to save the Panthers almost $5 million. Who they put alongside him on the interior is going to be crucial, with John Miller and Chris Reed both underwhelming last time out.
This is a deep class for offensive linemen that Carolina would be wise to make the most out of. However, rookie protectors can take some time to adjust against more imposing pass-rushers, so acquiring some veteran help in free agency wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
The Panthers do have Greg Little, Dennis Daley, and Trenton Scott on the depth chart. But they haven’t exactly shown enough to be relied upon and better options are needed.
It will be an offseason like no other. Veteran players will be looking for the right fit rather than a lengthy deal considering how much the salary-cap is set to go up next year with a new TV deal. So this represents a window of opportunity for the Panthers to get a couple of notable recruits that can solidify an area that’s been a problem over the last two years.
If they can do this and draft someone also capable of starting from day one, it is going to give their chances of postseason football in 2021 a huge shot in the arm.