6 Carolina Panthers players outperforming their pay grade in 2022
By Dean Jones
Austin Corbett – Carolina Panthers OL
- 2022 cap number: $3.18 million
One of the biggest positives for the Carolina Panthers in 2022 has been the incredible improvements on the offensive line. High draft picks and impressive free-agent signings have turned this unit into a dominant group, which could be the sign of things to come providing everyone else stays clear of injury after Pat Elflein was placed on season-ending injured/reserve this week.
Perhaps the best signing of all was Austin Corbett. The interior lineman won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 and already looks more than capable of building on this momentum in a different environment.
Corbett’s changed the mentality, too. His run blocking is nothing short of exceptional and one cannot overlook his accomplishments in passing situations to further enhance the veteran’s overall influence.
This was a sensational piece of business by the Panthers. One that they could benefit from beyond the current campaign if Corbett continues developing encouragingly.
His contract will get steeper in 2023, but considering Corbett is counting just $3.18 million against the salary cap in 2022, it’s a steal for someone playing at a borderline elite level.
And one only has to look at how the Rams’ offensive line is performing without Corbett to see how much he’s being missed by the defending champions.