5 free agents the Panthers should sign with Tre Boston savings
By Dean Jones
James Carpenter – OG
- 2020 team – Atlanta Falcons
Although the Carolina Panthers made some useful additions to their roster this offseason, there are still some significant questions surrounding their offensive line that need to be answered.
Giving new quarterback Sam Darnold enough time in the pocket to potentially improve his decision-making is going to be vital if he wants to make his presence felt in a new environment. Whether the Panthers’ current options can do this consistently is another matter.
Taylor Moton and Matt Paradis are the only two guarantees to start from the outside looking in. There is some real hope that Brady Christensen can become a Day 1 presence at left tackle, although the Panthers are also expected to put him at guard during the preseason to see where he is best suited.
Other options either include unproven rookies or veterans who haven’t exactly shown enough in recent years to fill anybody with confidence. They do have enough money to bring in another veteran with starting capabilities, so somebody like James Carpenter might be a potential option if they choose to go in this direction.
Carpenter and general manager Scott Fitterer are linked.
The interior lineman was taken by the Seattle Seahawks at No. 25 overall in 2011 when Fitterer was director of college scouting for the organization. He has started 127 games during his career and would also provide veteran leadership to a group that needs all the help it can get next season.