7 free-agent interior offensive linemen the Panthers should consider in 2022
By Luke Tucker
Carolina Panthers should target Andrew Norwell
A familiar face for Carolina Panthers fans, Andrew Norwell started 54 regular-season games for the organization from 2014-2017, including 13 in the magical 201 5 campaign. The interior offensive lineman spent two more seasons with the team following Super Bowl 50, earning All-Pro honors in 2017 before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars to become one of the highest-paid guards in football.
Norwell was far from bad during his time with the Jaguars, but won’t command nearly the contract he did in the spring of 2018. Pro Football Focus projects the former Ohio State product to sign for three years at about $7.25 million per year. That’s not exactly an inexpensive deal, but it’s not going to break the bank either.
After what we’ve seen at the guard positions since Norwell left, the Panthers should be willing to pay him what he wants. He’s a guy who can still play and has a veteran presence about him that Carolina’s offensive line doesn’t really have right now.
Norwell would be a huge upgrade over any of last year’s players and could help keep the quarterback’s backside clean. The fact that the former undrafted free agent has a history of remaining relatively healthy throughout the season could also be a big selling point for Carolina.
The Panthers’ two guard spots were truly revolving doors in 2021, eliminating any semblance of chemistry that the offensive line may have had. The old saying is that “availability is the best ability” – in Carolina’s situation upfront, that could be especially true.