ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported today that Carolina Panthers left tackle Russell Okung considered opting out of the 2020 season and may retire early over his concerns about the pandemic.
Okung is in a high-risk category for several reasons, but his agent J.I. Halsell says retirement is not on the table and he’s committed to playing for Carolina this year, according to the Charlotte Observer.
“Retirement is nowhere near imminent. And it’s not being used as a ploy to get a new contract; that will take care of itself at the appropriate time, and we’re on the same page with the Panthers in that regard. . . In uncertain times, players have to keep all their options open, but for as long as it makes medical sense for Russ and his health, again, he’s completely committed to the Panthers.”
Okung has only one year left on the contract he brought over from the Chargers in the getting-worse-by-the-minute Trai Turner trade. If he performs well in 2020 it’s worth considering bringing him back, but 2019 second-round pick Greg Little is still the organization’s long-term plan at left tackle as far as we know.
If he’s healthy Okung should be a solid starter. Pro Football Focus has him and Taylor Moton both ranked among the league’s top 25 offensive tackles going into this season.
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