Carolina Panthers: 5 offseason needs in 2019
1. Left tackle
Ryan Kalil was a great player for the Panthers during most of his tenure. His brother has not enjoyed the same level of success in Carolina. The free agent deal Dave Gettleman signed him to is widely viewed as one of the worst contracts in the NFL. The team may not cut him for financial reasons this offseason, but they can’t go into 2019 with him as the projected starter at left tackle.
The free agent market for blind side tackles this year is pretty weak. It’s possible the Panthers could try to sign an underrated player to compete with Kalil, but that would be an attempt to place a band-aid over a mortal wound to the offense.
That leaves the draft as the only viable option for the Panthers to acquire an upgrade at left tackle. That’s going to force Hurney to use a top pick to fix this hole. The odds favor Carolina using their first round selection on a player who can plant Kalil on the bench.
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Ultimately, if the Panthers want to keep Newton safe, they have to build a better offensive line to protect him. There’s no more important spot on that line than left tackle. Heading into an offseason with a clear need to upgrade two offensive line spots is daunting, but that’s the challenge facing Hurney. Getting things correct at left tackle should be the team’s No. 1 priority this offseason.