5 strangest moves of the Carolina Panthers 2021 offseason so far
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers signed Pat Elflein
It was evident that significant reinforcements were needed on the offensive line this offseason. This unit struggled to find the consistency needed outside of stud right tackle Taylor Moton last time out. If the same happens next season, it’s going to be a disaster for the Carolina Panthers and their new quarterback Sam Darnold.
The Panthers opened free agency by announcing the signing of Pat Elflein. Not exactly what fans were hoping for.
The versatile lineman penned a three-year, $13.5 million deal that included a $1.1 million signing bonus and $6 million guaranteed. Considering Elflein’s level of production for the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings over the last couple of seasons, giving him such a lengthy deal was bizarre, to put it mildly.
Carolina loves players that can operate at multiple positions. Elflein has experience as a guard and center during his NFL career so far, which might come in handy if injuries take their toll in 2021.
This represents a big gamble by the Panthers, who are once again relying on patchwork protection to get them where they need to go next season.
Just how big of a role Elflein will have remains to be seen. But it’s unlikely Carolina brought him in without the intention of seeing what he can do from a starting position.
And that is extremely worrying.