5 shining stars from the Carolina Panthers 2021 offseason
By Dean Jones
Who were the shining stars from an eventful 2021 offseason for the Carolina Panthers ahead of the new campaign?
To say there have been twists and turns throughout the Carolina Panthers offseason would be the biggest of understatements. Those in power within the organization left no stone unturned in pursuit of finding the right upgrades, something that sees a new quarterback under center in Sam Darnold and plenty of dynamic young talent in other positional groups.
Putting this all together on the field when it matters is the next step for the Panthers. They got a lot of credit for being competitive against playoff contenders, but turning this into victories is the big task awaiting Matt Rhule and his roster in 2021.
A more familiar preparation period has clearly helped. Something Rhule and his staff didn’t get the chance to experience last summer as COVID-19 restrictions wreaked havoc across the league.
Hopefully, this will all assist the Panthers in pursuit of progression this season. Here are five shining stars from this year’s offseason period as attention turns to Carolina’s opening game against the New York Jets.
Shining Star No. 1
Taylor Moton – Carolina Panthers OT
Taylor Moton got the bag.
And there was nobody more deserving.
The offensive lineman has been in outstanding form for Carolina over the last three years, providing a level of consistency that others on the protection simply cannot boast. Moton conducted himself in exemplary fashion once the team placed him on the franchise tag and thankfully a deal was struck just minutes before the deadline.
There is a significant amount of pressure on Moton’s shoulders this season. He is set to start on his preferred right-hand side, but judging by the number of reps he was given at left tackle during training camp, the option is definitely there if the likes of Cam Erving struggle early on.
This is a decisive topic within the team’s fanbase. But one thing is for sure, Moton remains pivotal to the Panthers and thankfully, this is now a long-term arrangement.