5 strangest moves of the Carolina Panthers 2021 offseason so far
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers signed Cam Erving
If fans were hoping for the Carolina Panthers to finally solve their ongoing issue at left tackle this offseason, they were out of luck. The decision-makers chose not to make a big splash either in free agency or the draft, apparently choosing Cam Erving as the man to fill the void in 2021.
This is something that wasn’t exactly met with enthusiasm, and with good reason.
Erving has failed to reach the heights expected of a top-20 selection over his career so far, appearing in just 279 snaps for the Dallas Cowboys last season with limited success before he was moved on.
The former Florida State stud is entering the last chance saloon in pursuit of being a reliable starter. Erving recently stated he expects to be the frontrunner for the left tackle job in Week 1 and if the Panthers decide to go down this route, it’s a huge gamble that has obvious consequences if things don’t go according to plan.
Much like the deal given to Pat Elflein, Erving’s was also a head-scratcher.
He signed a two-year, $10 million deal with a $2.5 million signing bonus and $8 million guaranteed. There aren’t much savings to be had if they release him after one year, so the Panthers appear confident in his ability to turn things around in their scheme.
However, judging by his performances of late, this optimism might be misplaced.