Carolina Panthers free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 18: Matt Paradis #61 of the Denver Broncos calling a signal from the line in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Joe Amon/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

3. Matt Paradis

Last year ended with a trip to IR for Paradis after suffering a fractured fibula. Fortunately, it happened early enough in the season to allow him a full recovery prior to free agency. Expect him to be the top center on the free agent market.

Admittedly, signing a big time center isn’t exactly the most sexy potential transaction available to the Panthers. It could, however, be the most impactful. Ryan Kalil’s impending free agency makes it a potentially massive need for the Panthers. Acquiring Paradis could actually turn it into an upgrade for Carolina.

Specifically, he’d give Rivera’s offense a really physical player at the point of attack. Kalil is an excellent technician, but he’s not going to blow a guy off the ball with his size. Paradis does have the ability to perform that feat upon occasion.

He’s also a solid pass protector. That’s particularly important given the need to keep Newton upright. Pressure up the middle is a great way to get your franchise quarterback injured. Adding Paradis to the offensive line would be a big boost for Newton and his entire offense.

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