Carolina Panthers sign Michael Oher

By Stanford Crissey | Mar 6, 2015

Dec 29, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Michael Oher (74) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Bengals defeated the Ravens 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina has inked a deal with former Ravens tackle Michael Oher

Sandra Bullock must be so proud right now.

Offensive tackle Michael Oher, best known as the subject of Michael Lewis’ book The Blind Side (later made into a movie starring Sandra Bullock), has signed a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, according to Panthers.com.

“We look forward to having Michael be a part of what we are building here,” Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said. “He’s a pro who understands what it takes to win. A big part of why we pursued Michael was his relationship with offensive line coach John Matsko and the opportunity to have him work with (assistant offensive line coach) Ray Brown. We are excited to have him.”

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The 6’4″, 315-pound Oher was drafted 23rd overall by the Ravens in 2009. He started off well with them, making the All-Rookie team, and despite shuttling between left and right tackle, made every start for Baltimore between 2010 and 2013, including the team’s Super Bowl win. He started the first 11 games for Tennessee this season before a toe injury caused him to miss the last five and ended his consecutive games streak.

In Carolina, Oher will be reunited with John Matsko, his original offensive line coach in Baltimore.

The Titans released Oher after the season due to a failed physical. It’s unknown at this point how much money the contract is for, or which side of the line Oher will man for Carolina.

Unfortunately for the Panthers, Oher may have more in the way of name recognition than he does in talent at this point. He is coming off a dismal season in Tennessee, where he signed a four-year, $20 million contract last offseason, yet played so poorly that the Titans released him after just 11 games.

For the cash-strapped Panthers, however, there just weren’t a whole lot of affordable options. Oher will replace Byron Bell as the Panthers try to upgrade an abysmal offensive line and protect Cam Newton.

Oher, for his part, believes that he is healthy and ready to return to his old form.

“I’m great now, back doing everything full speed,” Oher told Panthers.com. “It was something that had bothered me every year in the NFL. While lining up in my stance, sometimes I would feel it. It was something I had needed to get taken care of. I finally got it done, and I can see the results from it already.”

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