Since last year's playoff game, the Carolina Panthers have taken blow after blow to their offensive line.
Before the season, they lost their two starting tackles due to an injury and a health issue, respectively. After their loss to the Cleveland Browns, the Panthers' top offensive lineman, Damien Lewis, will miss time due to a UCL tear in his elbow.
The offensive line has arguably been the worst in football to start the season. While Lewis's return and the additions of Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu could help bolster the unit, the team still needs to discuss changes it could make next offseason.
Carolina Panthers offensive line could see major changes in 2027
It is a hard discussion to have in Week 4 of the NFL season, but the Panthers cannot go into another season with some of the same players and veterans they currently have up front.
This almost feels inevitable, especially with Ekwonu, center Luke Fortner, and offensive tackle Rasheed Walker in contract years.
Both Fortner and Walker have underwhelmed in their starts and were among the main culprits in Carolina's struggles against Cleveland.
Pro Bowl right guard Robert Hunt isn't the same player he was two years ago. His play has regressed, and while there is hope he can improve throughout the season, protecting the NFL's current passing yards leader, Bryce Young, is paramount beyond 2026.
Hunt has struggled to do just that, and the inconsistency up front hasn't hurt Young enough to make his play regress.
It is time to consider an offensive line revamp next spring.
Dan Morgan must manage Carolina Panthers' financial situation carefully along the offensive line
As of now, the Panthers are projected to have just over $8 million in salary cap space next offseason. It would make sense to move on from both starting guards. Cutting Hunt would save $13.7 million and Lewis another $13 million, bringing them to around $34.7 million.
The reason Lewis would be considered a cap casualty is being an older offensive lineman and has a list of injuries that have been nagging in past years.
I'll go a step further. Cutting Moton would save another $14.5 million, putting general manager Dan Morgan at about $50 million.
Speaking of Morgan, this will be one of his biggest challenges, especially if Young's contract extension comes into play. For now, rookie offensive tackle Monroe Freeling is the projected long-term starter on the blindside, with rookie center Sam Hecht expected to be the long-term starter at center.
This leaves both guard spots and right tackle as areas to address on top of other important roster needs.
Two of Morgan's most important signings from his early tenure with Carolina are likely to be moved on from, but it is an important lesson to always draft offensive linemen, no matter how important the need is.
They'll find offensive linemen in both the NFL Draft and free agency. I won't name names yet since we're still far from the offseason, but keep this in mind as the campaign goes on.
Having Ekwonu, Moton, and Lewis back after the bye week would be tremendous for the Panthers on paper. But it may end up being their last hoorah together in Charlotte.
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