The Panthers have had an issue at left tackle for almost a decade now. Trading Trai Turner for Russell Okung last year was just the latest failed attempt to fill the hole that’s been there since the retirement of Jordan Gross. Okung missed half the season due to injuries and he’s about to become a free agent in a few weeks, so it’s back to the drawing board at this spot.
As far as other free agent options go, there’s only one name really worth considering: Trent Williams of the 49ers.
Pros
On the surface, it may seem like Okung and Williams are too similar and therefore it would make more sense to just re-sign Okung. Both will be 33 years old next season and both made around $13 million in 2020. However, there’s a huge difference in their level of play. Okung is a good left tackle and has been most of his career. When healthy, Williams is an elite left tackle and just had a far better year than Okung. Pro Football Focus says his 0.4 WAR was the best for any tackle since they started grading in 2006 and they gave him a 91.9 grade for the year compared to 73.0 for Okung.
Cons
Williams’ relatively advanced age is the x-factor. While he’s a massive upgrade over Okung, he’s also not going to be the long-term starter no matter how well he might perform in 2021 and 2022. His price-tag is also likely to be a sticking point. PFF is projecting he’ll make $20 million per season on his next deal, while Spotrac says his market value is $18.2 million a year. Either way, signing Williams would be a huge investment.
Conclusion
You don’t win Super Bowls by being cheap. Left tackle is arguably the next-most important position on offense after quarterback and it’s been a problem area far too long. If Carolina could draft a guaranteed long-term starter that would be preferable, but aside from Penei Sewell nobody in this class has a ceiling anywhere near Williams’. He’s by far the best player who will be available at this position in 2021 and if the Panthers make only one big-ticket signing this year it should probably be him.
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