The Panthers will plug in former Broncos lineman Matt Paradis at center, as he agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal.
A breakdown of the Carolina Panthers’ 2019 free-agent signings.
Matt Paradis, C
The Panthers agreed Tuesday to terms with Matt Paradis on a three-year deal worth $27 million. Here’s a closer look at the center, who spent the previous five seasons with the Denver Broncos:
What it means: Finding a replacement for retired five-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil, not only a leader on the field in protecting quarterback Cam Newton but also a key leader in the locker room, was a goal for coach Ron Rivera. He got both in Paradis, a 29-year-old veteran who is considered an above-average pass protector, according to grades by Pro Football Focus. There really wasn’t another player on the line who fit the leadership qualities Kalil brought. So with Paradis at center over Tyler Larsen, the Panthers appear set to keep left tackle Matt Kalil, who didn’t play last season because of a knee injury. That doesn’t mean the Panthers definitely won’t re-sign free agent tackle Daryl Williams, but cap space is tight. To do so likely would mean releasing Matt Kalil, which would clear $7.25 million under the cap but create $14 million in dead money. Rivera said at the combine that he was planning to have Kalil under contract.
What’s the risk: Paradis suffered a fractured fibula in the ninth game last season and spent the rest of the year on injured reserve, so he’ll have to pass a physical before the deal becomes official. But Paradis said on NFL Network at the combine in Indianapolis that he was ahead of schedule, so it appears he would be ready for the season. Barring a setback there, the risk is minimal. The Panthers always have Larsen as insurance if Paradis’ recovery is delayed.
Taylor Heinicke, QB
The Panthers are signing Heinicke to a one-year deal. Details were not immediately available. Here’s a closer look at the quarterback who backed up Cam Newton last season:
To read more from this article click the link below
Podcasts/Media
-
Podcast
/ 6 hours agoOutta Pocket with Michael Davis – Fri April 26th 2024
Outta Pocket with Michael Davis Fri Panel: Cody Lachney, Kevin Avery, Desmond Johnson (Producer)...
-
Podcast
/ 1 day agoOutta Pocket with Michael Davis – Thurs April 25th 2024
Hosted by Michael DavisPanel: Mike Mele, Aaron Schneider, Desmond Johnson (Producer) Part of Tobacco...
-
Podcast
/ 1 day agoBleav in Carolina Panthers – The One Before The Draft – Tues April 23rd 2024
Hosted by Tobacco Road Sports Radio’s Desmond Johnson and Panthers all time leading rusher...
-
Podcast
/ 1 week agoOutta Pocket with Michael Davis – Fri April 19th 2024
Hosted by Michael DavisFriday Panel: Austin Summers, Carsen Williams, Desmond Johnson (Producer) Participate live...
WWE
-
Podcast
/ 2 months agoDrop The Mike Podcast – Lodi Interview & Revolution Recap – Weds March 7th 2024
Lodi, former WCW wrestler, joins Drop the Mike this week for a special interview...
-
Podcast
/ 2 months agoDrop the Mike Podcast – Ep 75 – Weds Feb 14th 2024
The slap heard around the world! Join host Michael Davis and John Anthony (from...
-
Podcast
/ 3 months agoDrop The Mike Podcast – Wed Feb 7th 2024
The Rock or Cody Rhodes? Michael Davis is joined by Mike Mele (Mouthing Off...
-
WWE
/ 3 months agoThe Rock vs. Roman Reigns: Dream Match to Reality
On this Friday’s SmackDown, the Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes arrived to make his...
NFL/Carolina Panthers
-
NFL
/ 1 day agoWho Should The Panthers Pick at 33: Running Back
As the college football season unfolds, attention is turning towards the upcoming NFL Draft,...
-
NFL
/ 1 day agoXavier Legette: If I’m available at pick 33, the Panthers tell me ‘they’re going to take me’
Published by On3 Xavier Legette spent five seasons at South Carolina while in college....
-
NFL
/ 1 week agoWho Should The Panthers Pick at 33: Inside Linebacker
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Carolina Panthers find themselves in a pivotal position...
-
NFL
/ 1 week agoWho Should The Panthers Pick at 33: Wide Receiver
As the Carolina Panthers prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft, one position of interest...