In case you haven’t noticed, the Carolina Panthers are currently in dire need of some changes on their offensive line. But how are they going to find them?
Well, some recent trade buzz discussed between ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano suggests the Panthers remain on the prowl for a hog molly or two . . . or more.
“The Panthers want an offensive lineman (or three) — and maybe a new franchise quarterback, which is another story,” Fowler said of the recent winds swirling ahead of the Nov. 2 deadline.
What’s unfortunate for general manager Scott Fitterer, however, is that there isn’t really much of a market for offensive linemen. Fitterer himself, even before the season began, has already alluded to how difficult it’s been to pry any big men away from other teams.
Fowler did, though, mention the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2019 first-round pick Andre Dillard as a potentially available piece, particularly for an “AFC North team.” As reported by NFL insider Adam Caplan back in Week 5, the Panthers have previously inquired on Dillard, but to no success.
Whether it’s Dillard or someone else, Carolina needs help and they need it fast. Panthers quarterbacks have been sacked 24 times through seven games, the second-highest total thus far.
And if you’re more of a “sacks are quarterback stat, too” type of fan, the analytics aren’t on their side either. ESPN has the Panthers’ offensive line ranked 29th and 28th in their team pass block and team run block win rates, respectively.
So while Fitterer may be in on every deal, you can’t be in on the deals that aren’t there to be in on.