The Panthers were supposed to be getting their left tackle of the future when they traded up for Greg Little in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. Unfortunately, due to multiple concussions and a high ankle sprain, Little only wound up playing four games and 224 offensive snaps last year, amounting to a lost rookie season.
The team’s decision to trade right guard Trai Turner to the Chargers for Russell Okung raised more questions about Little’s future. However, for what it’s worth general manager Marty Hurney told reporters today he’s not worried about Little and the Okung trade gives him a chance to improve.
Hurney says he got an email from LAC with the trade proposal. Says it was "very hard to trade Trai" but that Okung gives them a LT with that level of talent was something they couldn't pass up.
Said it gives Greg Little a chance to improve and that he's not worried about him.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) April 6, 2020
Okung will obviously be starting for Carolina at left tackle this year. It’s unlikely the 31-year old will be re-signed after that though, once again opening up the position for a new candidate. Hopefully, Little will be ready to roll in time for the 2021 season.
In the meantime, it will be interesting to see if they try to get Little involved at another position. While his experience in college makes him a true left tackle, the team has a hole to fill at left guard.
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