Panthers offensive line coach on 4 pending free agent starters: ‘It’s part of the game’
The Carolina Panthers lost more snaps played this past offseason than any other team in the NFL by a wide margin. Those dramatic personnel changes were a big factor in their disappointing 5-11 finish to the 2020 season.
This year, things aren’t quite as bad but there’s still going to be some significant turnover. Where we’ll likely see the most change is the offensive line, where every starter except center Matt Paradis is about to become a free agent. Offensive line coach Pat Meyer says he’d prefer to keep them all, but understands it’s part of the business, per the team website.
“I would like to get them all back. Is that possible? No, I know that. . . I’d like to keep them all, but that’s not the nature of the business, so it’s like, hey, let’s elevate some guys, get somebody in, draft somebody. It’s part of the game, and it’s cyclical.”
To review, left tackle Russell Okung is 32 years old and missed nine games due to injury this year. He’s almost guaranteed not to return. Meanwhile, starting right tackle Taylor Moton is just 26 and has become an elite talent at his position. However, keeping him will be an expensive proposition, either by an extension or the franchise tag.
By comparison, keeping guards John Miller and Chris Reed around would be easy but losing both Moton and Okung would be exceptionally difficult to overcome.
Looking ahead, it’s clear the Panthers will have to use some of their draft capital to shore up this position group. Getting those picks right will be critical in determining just how far this offense can go, no matter who is under center.
