The Carolina Panthers don’t have a lot of compounding space to work due to the large amount of money left with dead capitalization, so the head office did a good job of attracting top talent without overpaying or putting yourself in a financial situation.
Today, we look at which players the Panthers pay the most money for in 2020 and no, it’s not Christian McCaffrey. You will earn $ 825k this year and your big money will be released in the next season.
OT Russell Okung: $ 13 million
The Panthers finally have an anchor at left tackle and it was a point of emphasis this offseason for the team to improve pass protection. That is why they chose to trade Trai Turner, to get a veteran tackle like Russell Okung. Despite being alone under contract for this season, Okung will be a great benefit for Teddy Bridgewater, but also for Greg Little, who is still developing as a future starting tackle.
DL Kawann Short: $ 12.5 million
There is not a single word that describes the importance of Kawann Short to the Panthers’ defensive line. In his absence in 2019, the Panthers were a disguised disaster. They allowed the fastest fourth yards in the NFL and clearly missed their presence. He will pair with rookie Derrick Brown in 2020, which should be a dominant duo up front.
QB Teddy Bridgewater: $ 8 million
Some may think that the Panthers paid too much for Teddy Bridgewater, but there were several teams interested in him, which increased his value. The reality is, if you want to pay a quality starting quarterback, you will have to pay. Bridgewater will have three years to prove he is the team’s quarterback in the future.
C Matt Paradis: $ 5.5 million
Paradis is coming off his worst season since joining the NFL. He had extremely high expectations for the Broncos, but has not yet come close to exaggeration. The Panthers added Michael Schofield and Russell Okung, two boys he played with in Denver. Perhaps familiarity will get you back on track. Otherwise, the Panthers may be looking for a new center in the near future.
WR Robby Anderson / LB Shaq Thompson: $ 4 million
Robby Anderson is a great game hitter. He brings something to the table that the Panthers didn’t necessarily have a year ago. Yes, DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel may be home run threats, but Anderson makes a living. I’m a little surprised that it was so cheap.
Shaq Thompson agreed to a new deal this offseason, as the Panthers’ headquarters sees him as the next guy to lead the defense after Luke Kuechly retired a few months ago. It has a really high ceiling and could be a professional bowler in 2020.
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