5 players the Panthers shouldn’t have let get away in franchise history
By Dean Jones
Andrew Norwell – Carolina Panthers OL
As stated previously, things haven’t exactly been a bed of roses for the Carolina Panthers across their offensive line in recent years. A series of failed personnel moves coupled with draft picks failing to meet expectations became a constant source of frustration and something that’s clearly held the team back.
Hopefully, a strong period of recruitment this spring will lead to a change in fortunes. But had the Panthers shelled out the money to keep Andrew Norwell around, things might not have gone so disappointingly since his departure.
Norwell was a true rags-to-riches story. An undrafted free agent who became an All-Pro within his first four seasons in the NFL.
Ron Rivera clearly saw something in Norwell and the head coach was rewarded with elite production almost from start to finish. This left the Panthers in a bind once it was time for the player to discuss a new deal and a bumper offer from the Jacksonville Jaguars was not matched despite a clear need to get something done.
The Ohio State product cashed in, which is fine. But the Jaguars only enjoyed one good season during his stint with the team and Norwell has now linked up once again with Rivera on the Washington Commanders.