3 free agents the Panthers should avoid in the 2021 offseason

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 13: Head coach Matt Rhule of the Carolina Panthers holds his notes during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Bank of America Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 24: Russell Okung #76 of the Carolina Panthers waits between drills during a training camp session at Bank of America Stadium on August 24, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2. Russell Okung

Okung was the most talented left tackle on Carolina’s roster in 2020, but the fact that he only managed to play seven games was a real hindrance to the franchise’s attempts to protect Teddy Bridgewater. Interestingly, he still projects to be the top left tackle available in free agency this offseason.

That means Okung is going to be in line for another massive contract. He may struggle to get the years he wants, but his average annual value will be significant. Any team landing him in free agency will need to pay him like he’s going to stay healthy for a full 16-game slate.

Carolina shouldn’t be interested in making that sort of gamble for a second consecutive season. It may be painful (and costly) to turn the page at left tackle, but it’s the move the Panthers need to make to get their offense on the right track for years to come.

If Carolina is going to dip into free agency for a left tackle, they should sign someone with a better injury history. Paying Alejandro Villanueva the same money as Okung will likely turn out to be a more productive signing for the team that makes it. Okung is simply too old and too brittle to make sense for the Panthers in free agency.

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