The Panthers’ offensive line has been a mess for a long time. It’s what lost a Super Bowl, derailed Cam Newton’s career, and has driven us mad for years. The Panthers simply haven’t invested enough in protecting the quarterback! As Carolina entered this free agency with only two starting offensive lineman on the roster, many expected necessary moves to address this clear need. News quickly leaked that Carolina signed Pat Elflein and Cameron Erving, both players where the upside seems to be in their versatility.

Elflein was a third-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings whose true positional strength is at center. He played well at the position early but then struggled after being moved to guard his second season with the Vikings. He was released in the 2019 season and then picked up by the New York Jets in 2020. Elflein performed adequately well on a dysfunctional Jets team.

Erving is a journeyman at this point. The first-round pick struggled on the field in Cleveland and has since struggled with injuries after time with both the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys. Carolina is in desperate need of a fill, and the spot is certainly a big one to fill as many would expect Erving to play left tackle.

The Panthers moved quickly on two offensive linemen. It wasn’t initially well-received by Panthers’ fans, or any fans, but honestly moves that were necessary. At face value, the numbers sound high. Erving is the more expensive of the two which will end up be a one-year prove-it deal. Carolina fans are certainly hoping to prove the detractors wrong. Elflien’s deal isn’t absurd either. It’s likely the Panthers have an eye for him to be around for two years with an option out in the third.

By Tony Dunn, host of the C3 Panthers Podcast