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One of the biggest problems for the Carolina Panthers last season was their offensive line. While it's a good unit under normal circumstances, their depth got exposed after the starting five was hit with a series of injuries.
Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, center Austin Corbett, right guard Robert Hunt and backups Brady Christensen and Chandler Zavala all missed multiple games. Only left guard Damien Lewis and right tackle Taylor Moton, who also missed an outing apiece, avoided major injuries.
That, of course, wasn't much help to quarterback Bryce Young. But ESPN's Mina Kimes believes the work that Carolina has done this offseason will be huge for their offense and for Young, who is entering a big fourth season:
With 2026 first-round pick Monroe Freeling, the Panthers have found either their future franchise left tackle or right tackle. And in fifth-rounder Sam Hecht, they may have also landed on a long-term starter at center.
Carolina also brought in a number of free agents to boost their depth at every spot. Rasheed Walker and Luke Fortner are likely to start at left tackle and center, for now. They may also get unexpected assists from Stone Forsythe or Joshua Gray, depending on how healthy the group stays.
That's a lot of resources for one unit. But in this case, it was necessary—and it could go a long way in solidifying Young as the franchise guy behind them.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Mina Kimes believes Panthers' big investments will help QB Bryce Young
Continue reading...
Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, center Austin Corbett, right guard Robert Hunt and backups Brady Christensen and Chandler Zavala all missed multiple games. Only left guard Damien Lewis and right tackle Taylor Moton, who also missed an outing apiece, avoided major injuries.
That, of course, wasn't much help to quarterback Bryce Young. But ESPN's Mina Kimes believes the work that Carolina has done this offseason will be huge for their offense and for Young, who is entering a big fourth season:
With 2026 first-round pick Monroe Freeling, the Panthers have found either their future franchise left tackle or right tackle. And in fifth-rounder Sam Hecht, they may have also landed on a long-term starter at center.
Carolina also brought in a number of free agents to boost their depth at every spot. Rasheed Walker and Luke Fortner are likely to start at left tackle and center, for now. They may also get unexpected assists from Stone Forsythe or Joshua Gray, depending on how healthy the group stays.
That's a lot of resources for one unit. But in this case, it was necessary—and it could go a long way in solidifying Young as the franchise guy behind them.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Mina Kimes believes Panthers' big investments will help QB Bryce Young
Continue reading...
