6 moves that can save the Panthers $50 million against their 2023 cap

Carolina Panthers could restructure Austin Corbett

• Cap savings: $5.94 million

Austin Corbett’s arrival in 2022 free agency was a masterstroke by the Carolina Panthers. One that solidified a problem position at right guard and also brought a winning mentality to the locker room for good measure.

Corbett’s season ended on a sour note with a torn ACL in their season-finale at the New Orleans Saints. However, his production before that was nothing short of exceptional.

The former Nevada stud gave up two sacks and conceded two penalties from 985 snaps to secure a 69.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. Corbett provided assurance and leadership that was sorely lacking, which would be a huge miss if he was unable to make it back in time for Carolina’s 2023 opener.

Corbett is hoping to return quickly after successful surgery. But the Panthers must form a contingency plan in the event his rehabilitation suffers a bump in the road at some stage.

Acquiring decent free-agent offensive linemen isn’t cheap. Carolina could also go down the draft route in pursuit of improving depth with Cam Erving also out of contract.

Restructuring Corbett’s deal with two years remaining saves the Panthers $5.94 million in 2023. Combine this with the other possible moves and Carolina would boast substantial ammunition to emerge from obscurity and into playoff contention.