5 lively outsiders to make the Carolina Panthers roster in 2021

Sam Tecklenburg – Carolina Panthers C

The Carolina Panthers were clearly keen to get a good look at Sam Tecklenburg during the preseason. He was on the field plenty over the first two warmup games, which is the offensive lineman’s first real taste of life in the NFL after all preseason contests were canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 health concerns.

Tecklenburg held his own during his time on the field. Certainly enough to suggest that a place on the 53-man roster isn’t entirely out of the question.

The former Baylor standout was active for two games last season without featuring in any offensive snaps. Tecklenburg accumulated eight snaps on special teams but did enough throughout practice to warrant another opportunity within a more structured offseason period.

Carolina does have some concerns surrounding the offensive line. We’ll know more about the starters this Friday with some prolonged preseason involvement, but Tecklenburg’s hopes of making the team could ultimately depend on just who the Panthers want to utilize as Matt Paradis’ backup at the center position.

Tecklenburg appears the obvious candidate. However, the Panthers also have the option of putting Pat Elflein in this role and free up a roster spot elsewhere should the opportunity arise.

This is a precarious situation where Tecklenburg is concerned. But he’s got himself into consideration once again.