Should the Panthers go all-out for Brandon Scherff in free agency?

Should the Carolina Panthers go all-out for pending free-agent Brandon Scherff in free agency to bolster their struggling offensive line unit?

Poor offensive line play has gone on long enough. It’s time for the Carolina Panthers to make strengthening their protection a top priority in free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft – otherwise, they can kiss any chances of making noise next season goodbye.

Only stud right tackle Taylor Moton is locked in as a starter next season. The remaining four positions have some significant question marks unless the rookie duo of Deonte Brown and Brady Christensen make noticeable strides ahead of their sophomore campaigns.

This will be a huge challenge for the Panthers, who have just $17.86 million available to spend right now and just one draft pick in the top-100 to further complicate matters. There is a lot of work ahead for the primary decision-makers in Carolina and not a lot of leeway after a number of gambles failed to pay off last year.

Relying on college prospects is risky business unless the Panthers utilize the No. 6 overall selection on an elite lineman. Even if they go down this route, it might be worth aiming big from some eye-catching veterans set to his the free-agent market next month.

One such player who could make a substantial impact is Brandon Scherff, who played last season on the franchise tag and it remains to be seen whether the Washington Commanders can work out a long-term agreement with one of the best interior protectors in the business.

Brandon Scherff would be a game-changing addition for the Carolina Panthers

This would be an absolute game-changer for the Panthers.

One that could instantly improve their fortunes at the guard position.

Scherff was a model of consistency for the Commanders in 2021, giving up six penalties and not conceding a single sack from 697 snaps to secure an impressive 73.6 grade from Pro Football Focus. The former Iowa stud would also bring vital veteran leadership to the locker room, which is another strong factor behind this potential acquisition that shouldn’t be overlooked in the slightest.

Washington will likely fight hard to keep Scherff around. But the Commanders also need to find their quarterback of the future and might not have the financial resources to give the lineman what he’s looking for long-term.

The Panthers aren’t exactly flush with spare money themselves. However, if Scherff was allowed to hit the market then they should move heaven and earth to bring him to the franchise.

According to Spotrac, the No. 5 overall selection in 2015 is set to command an annual salary of $12.9 million on a three-year, $38.93 million deal. While that is expensive, quality guards with All-Pro talent don’t grow on trees and if Carolina moves some money around, it’s a feasible proposition from the outside looking in.

This would be a real statement of intent from the Panthers. One that could signal a change in ethos about how they are attempting to build a winning culture.

Of course, the big stumbling block should Scherff hit the market is that Carolina would not be alone in wanting the player. If a better fit presents itself, then the veteran is likely to choose that given the current state of the Panthers.

Only time will tell, obviously. But if Scherff becomes available then going all-out to secure his services is something the Panthers simply have to do.