The Panthers offensive line will improve most under the guidance of new coach Pat Meyer, at least in theory. While some fans seem to want a total overhaul of the front five, it’s possible we will only see one position turn over from 2019.
Greg Van Roten (a pending free agent) is a great run blocker, but his pass protection has become too much of a liability. It’s time for Carolina to invest more resources at this spot and plug the biggest hole in the trenches by finding a new starting left guard.
Unfortunately, there’s only a couple of names worth considering in free agency this year. We have already previously profiled Washington’s Brandon Scherff. Today, let’s take a look at New England’s Joe Thuney.
Career stats:
After a successful college career at North Carolina State, the Patriots picked Thuney in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. He was named to the All-Rookie team that year after starting all 16 games, a streak he’s since pushed to 64 straight starts. In 2019, Thuney made second-team All-Pro.
Pros:
Scherff is a fine lineman in his own right. However, Thuney (6-foot-5, 308 pounds) is easily the best interior lineman who will hit the market in March. It’s somewhat rare even for pro OL to excel in pass protection and run blocking. Thuney holds up well in both, though. He is also disciplined. Thuney was only one of three offensive linemen who played over 600 snaps and didn’t commit a single penalty last season.
Cons:
Thuney has no significant injury history and he’s only 27 years old, so he should have plenty of good years ahead of him. The problem is it’ll likely be extremely difficult for Carolina general manager Marty Hurney to sign him.
Probability: Low
Bill Belichick will probably be happy take a comp pick rather than pay Thuney, but the competition for his services once he becomes a free agent could be fierce given the lock of options. Unless the Panthers find a way to create a lot more cap space, signing Thuney is pretty unlikely.
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