Every day the Carolina Panthers don’t give Taylor Moton an extension is a missed opportunity.
Moton is in the final year of his rookie contract and has been balling out since he became a starter three seasons ago. In 2020, Moton has ascended to an elite level, though. According to Pro Football Focus, Moton is their highest-graded right tackle in the NFL this season.
The top OL of 2020 💪🏆 pic.twitter.com/DdXiKs3znC
— PFF (@PFF) December 5, 2020
The latest reporting from the Athletic says that the team has not held any contract talks with Moton as of yet.
Moton was part of the previous general manager’s last draft class, but that’s hardly a legitimate reason not to pay an exceptional talent like this. He came into the league as a mauler in the run game and has developed into an extremely reliable pass protector, as well.
This season Moton has shut down some of the game’s best pass rushers, including Chargers star Joey Bosa.
Carolina Panthers RT Taylor Moton completely neutralized Los Angeles Chargers DE Joey Bosa this past Sunday in the Week 3 game. Moton is evolving as a complete above average player at his position. The following video clips support my observation.
1st play he walls off Bosa pic.twitter.com/Dw3qDP2GX3
— Kevin Avery (@4MR_KountryKev) September 29, 2020
Moton also snuffed out Cameron Jordan when the Panthers played the Saints back in Week 7.
Carolina Panthers RT Taylor Moton(#72) vs. New Orleans Saints DE Cam Jordan(#94)
This was a huge matchup heading into this Week 7 game. Jordan has harassed the Panthers OL for the last few seasons. But this time he was neutralized by Moton. Jordan had just 1 tackle
Play #1 pic.twitter.com/NpDIRowAZG
— Kevin Avery (@4MR_KountryKev) October 26, 2020
Of course, extending the best offensive linemen in the league doesn’t come cheap. At the moment, Lane Johnson of the Eagles is earning $18 million a year, the highest average among right tackles, per Over the Cap. Any fair-market deal for Moton would cost at least that much.
If concerns about whether or not he’ll live up to that pricetag is the holdup, then this front office doesn’t deserve him. Moton is worth penny coming his way and if the Panthers don’t pay another team will.
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