4 ways the Carolina Panthers can avoid disaster this offseason
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers must prioritize OL
It doesn’t matter who is under center if they cannot get enough time. The Carolina Panthers offensive line has been nothing short of abysmal in 2021 and it’s a key positional group that’s been ignored for far too long.
This is something Matt Rhule and general manager Scott Fitterer acknowledged in their exit pressers this week. Both suggested it was now time to prioritize the protection, which was music to the ears of most that had to suffer watching the team’s current options throughout the campaign.
Only Taylor Moton is guaranteed to come back as a starter. Perhaps Brady Christensen could play a role and Deonte Brown might progress, but relying on the likes of John Miller, Cam Erving, and Dennis Daley is no longer an option.
Expect the Panthers to claim a top offensive lineman from the 2022 NFL Draft. A host of potential problem-solvers should be available at No. 6 and even if they trade down for additional capital, Fitterer has proven capable of finding the right guy.
It might take some financial maneuvering, but Carolina might also want to bring in a prominent free agent or two that would provide immediate assistance. Whichever avenue they go down, they have to get better in this area of the field.