5 premier free agents the Panthers could land with extra cap space

Carolina Panthers could target Terron Armstead

If the Carolina Panthers want to make a massive splash in free agency, there would be no better way than paying Terron Armstead everything in their power to come on board as the team’s left tackle for the next few years. The offensive lineman has been with the New Orleans Saints since he was drafted in 2013 and is one of the league’s best offensive tackles.

Armstead is one of the best free agents available in this year’s class – likely the best offensive linemen – so he’s going to command top dollar. Pro Football Focus predicts him to receive somewhere in the region of a three-year, $60 million deal, around $20 million per year.

This would be a hefty price tag for Carolina. But for a team that has had a revolving door at left tackle ever since Jordan Gross retired in 2013, they should have no problem signing that check.

Carolina would likely have to overpay to convince Armstead to move to a division rival who’s in as bad a shape as the Panthers are in. Burning his bridges with New Orleans in this manner after spending so long with the team might not be something he contemplates despite their financial situation indicating keeping him around is extremely unlikely.

The future is very uncertain thanks to Matt Rhule’s job status. But if Carolina is willing to overpay, anything is possible.