NFL Free Agency 2017: Panthers are expected to sign Matt Kalil
By Dre Elder
The Carolina Panthers are expected to sign free agent LT Matt Kalil, who’s older brother, Ryan, is the team’s 5-time Pro Bowl center.
Brothers in arms? The Carolina Panthers’ starting offensive line to open the 2017 season will likely feature the Kalil brothers. The move should bolster an offensive line that ranked 17th in the NFL last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
However, Matt Kalil missed all but 2 games of the 2016 season, after suffering a labrum tear in his right hip. He had previously never missed a game in his NFL career. Assuming he’s fully recovered and healthy, his presence will provide stability for a Panthers team stricken with injuries to that unit last season.
The Carolina Panthers followed their Super Bowl 50 appearance with a dismal 6-10 record and missed the playoffs in 2016. They have never had back-to-back winning seasons in their 22-year history. The Panthers will undoubtedly look to rebound in 2017, after going from first-to-worst in the NFC south.
Historically, the organization has never made big splashes in free agency, so that rebound will be centered on next month’s NFL draft. The Panthers have the 8th pick in the draft, and are in position to land a top young talent from either side of the ball. Since 2012, they’ve used their 1st round picks on defensive players, with wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, being the only exception in 2014.
The Panthers’ offense also sputtered for most of last season. They struggled to protect quarterback Cam Newton in the pocket, who struggled to protect himself outside the pocket. Carolina on average, scored 8.2 points per game less in 2016, after leading the league in that category in 2015.
So, they could go several different ways with the 8th pick. There doesn’t seem to be a consensus, as various mocks have them selecting a defensive end, a cornerback, or a running back. All would fill holes for them.
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The Panthers’ defense finished 2nd in sacks and allowed the 6th-fewest rushing yards in 2016. The aforementioned secondary allowed the 4th-most passing yards in the NFL. And their starting running back, who has a checkered injury history, is turning 30 in a couple weeks.