4 players the Carolina Panthers should have retained this offseason
By Dean Jones
Russell Okung – Former Carolina Panthers OT
The struggles across the offensive line are well documented and something that didn’t really come as a surprise. Outside of right tackle Taylor Moton, it’s been another frustrating campaign littered with mistakes and almost no consistency – something that needs to take top priority this offseason ahead of Matt Rhule’s third season at the helm.
Looking back on the offseason decisions, perhaps keeping Russell Okung around rather than giving Cam Erving a two-year deal on Day 1 of free agency would have been a better call. The former Pro Bowler had some trouble staying healthy following his trade from the Los Angeles Chargers, but his production was actually decent during the seven games he was active.
Bringing Okung back on a team-friendly deal and drafting Brady Christensen as a development project to come in if the Super Bowl winner suffers further injury complications seemed like a nice option to have.
Instead, the Panthers are stuck with another underperforming veteran that would cost more than $4 million in dead cap money if he is released with one year remaining on his contract.
The former first-round pick gave up three sacks and conceded four penalties from 406 snaps to secure an impressive 73.0 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2020. Okung hasn’t been able to find a new home just yet, although that could be more to do with the player’s desire rather than a lack of interest.