Carolina Panthers listed among ‘best fits’ for former top-10 draft pick

The Carolina Panthers were listed among the best fits for interior offensive lineman Ereck Flowers in a recent feature from The Bleacher Report. 

Although it was a busy offseason in terms of recruitment for the Carolina Panthers, they might not be done just yet. Speculation remains about another big swing at the quarterback position and the recent visit of Carlos Dunlap indicates that the team is also looking for pass-rushing assistance before competitive games commence.

In an ideal world, the Panthers will acquire any veteran reinforcements before training camp, giving them a full program to develop chemistry and immerse themselves into the organization. Something that might see activity taking place within problem positions sooner rather than later.

One area that might not be the need it once was is across the offensive line. Carolina was methodical in their pursuit of the right fits, which landed them three new starters on the protection and real hope of genuine progress in 2022.

Austin Corbett and Bradley Bozeman are two proven veterans that represent immediate upgrades on the interior. Landing Ikem Ekwonu – the top prospect on their draft board – at No. 6 overall was the best-case scenario and something that could finally give Carolina a franchise left tackle at long last.

However, according to a recent article from Ian Wharton of The Bleacher Report, there is one more potential addition that would be a tremendous fit.

Carolina Panthers named among ‘best fits’ for Ereck Flowers

When examining the best remaining free agents under 30 years old, Wharton picked out the Panthers as a ‘best fit’ for Ereck Flowers, who remains on the market following his release from the Washington Commanders this spring.

Flowers came into the league with a big reputation after the New York Giants drafted him No. 9 overall. It didn’t take long to figure out he was never going to make it at tackle, but the Miami product has thrived on the interior and it’s a surprise to see him still searching for employment.

Wharton highlighted Flowers’ ability in pass protection from the left guard position as a reason why he could be an asset to the Panthers, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, and Sam Francisco 49ers also listed as possible destinations.

"“Plenty of left guard openings exist throughout the league that Flowers could upgrade. This is especially the case if he’s placed between quality starters at left tackle and center, since both positions can assist him in pass protection.”"

It would be a surprise if the Panthers made this move. Matt Rhule and others have been glowing in their praise of Brady Christensen this offseason, which has boosted his chances of earning a starting spot next to Ekwonu.

This is the final position on the offensive line available based on the supreme consistency of Taylor Moton and the recent signings. Christensen is the favorite, but if Carolina doesn’t like what it sees then one cannot rule out the possibility of another body coming on board with enough salary-cap space available.

Flowers still performed at a high-level last season, giving up six sacks and conceding two penalties from 1,061 snaps to secure a 72.0 grade from Pro Football Focus. It won’t be much longer before another team comes calling, but it’s unlikely to be the Panthers unless injury strikes.