5 ways the Panthers can best prepare for the future this offseason

Carolina Panthers need a long-term OL plan

Much like the situation at quarterback, there have been some significant flaws in the decision-making process across the offensive line under the current regime. The Carolina Panthers have not prioritized this key area of the field enough, relying on underperforming veterans in free agency and Day 2 or below selections in the draft for good measure.

This has not had the desired effect, to the surprise of absolutely nobody from the outside looking in. One thing is for sure, their current method of recruitment cannot continue if they want whoever is under center to excel.

In fairness to general manager Scott Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule, they conceded as much during their respective exit pressers. But with little cap space and one draft pick in the top-100, things will be more difficult than they perhaps should be.

There remains hope that Brady Christensen and Deonte Brown can make some strides after indifferent rookie seasons. But there is a lot of deadwood that needs shifting and the Panthers have to not only come up with a long-term plan, but stick to it as well.

Championships are won and lost in the trenches. If Carolina doesn’t figure this out, they are only going to get so far no matter what player they acquire to distribute the football.