Tag: Austin Corbett

Panthers’ long-term investments in their offensive line are already paying off

Panthers GM Dan Morgan is getting his return on investment along the offensive line.

Even at 3-8 here in Week 13, the Carolina Panthers have come to experience more ups than downs this season.

Quarterback Bryce Young has bounced back into the starting lineup and is playing the best ball of his pro career, a few rookie pass catchers are carving out exciting roles and the defense—at least in the last three games—has stepped up to make key stops in giving the team a chance to win.

But the highest high note from the 2024 campaign has been their rebuilt offensive line.

One year ago, the Panthers had arguably the worst front five in the NFL. And the most glaring weaknesses on the group came on the inside, where there was a literal changing of the guards seemingly every week.

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan made a promise in the offseason to rebuild the middle of the unit, and ended up spending a lot of money in doing so. In free agency, Carolina signed former Miami Dolphins right guard Robert Hunt to a five-year, $100 million deal then former Seattle Seahawks left guard Damien Lewis to a four-year, $53 million contract.

The Panthers also added Yosh Nijman as a quality spot starter behind tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton, and moved former right guard Austin Corbett to the starting center position.

And now, with the team having an entire offensive line it can be proud of, Morgan’s return on investment may already be one of the best this franchise has ever gotten.

One of the many beneficiaries of the reconstruction has been the left tackle in Ekwonu, who has been solid in his third NFL campaign. Having a stout left guard in Lewis has helped with communication and handling different types of pressures that have come their way.

Ekwonu’s current Pro Football Focus grades are all at career-highs—as he boasts an overall mark of 72.7 along with a 70.2 in pass blocking and an 82.3 in run blocking.

It’s plays like the one below that have the Panthers front office and fans smiling ear to ear.

There is pre-snap and post-snap communication, linemen are hitting their landmarks in pass-blocking sets, displaying active and competitive hands, getting grips on opposing defensive linemen and setting a firm anchor.

One of the most impressive performances from this group was against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12.

The Chiefs have an aggressive defensive front that can get after the quarterback at a blistering clip. Top defensive tackle Chris Jones had his way a couple of times throughout the game against this bunch—but he was largely quiet, and it almost helped the Panthers upset the defending Super Bowl champions.

Coaching has played a significant role in Carolina’s improved offensive line play as well. Run game coordinator Harold Goodwin, offensive line coach Joe Gilbert and assistant offensive line coach Keli’i Kekuewa have been behind the unit’s growth and development.

For example—Corbett, who was playing high-level football at the center position, tore his triceps in Week 5. He’d be replaced by Brady Christensen, who filled in seamlessly for three starts.

Then Christensen, who had to fill in for an injured Ekwonu on the blindside, would be replaced at center by Cade Mays. And Mays, highlighted by his 85.5 pass-blocking grade against Kansas City, has also proven to be a reliable presence in the middle over his three starts.

The successful plug-and-play approach is a sign that this staff is adamant about putting their players in the best position to win. Combine that with a general manager willing to spend a lot of money to improve a specific unit, and there is something to really look forward to and anticipate in the future.

Morgan still has plenty to prove as a general manager, but his 2024 offseason could be a baseline for what he needs to do to give fans some more excitement in the coming seasons.

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Carolina Panthers players who are free agents in 2025

With the trade deadline now behind us, let’s take a look at the Panthers who are set to become free agents following the 2024 season:

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The 2024 NFL trade deadline has come and gone, and it didn’t go without a few moves from the Carolina Panthers.

Last week, the team shipped off wideout Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens in a trade involving a late-round pick swap for the 2025 draft. And yesterday, in a much more favorable return, they sent fellow receiver Jonathan Mingo over to the Dallas Cowboys.

So now that those departures are official, we could start looking ahead towards free agency for quite a few more.

Here are Panthers whose contracts are set to expire following the season:

  • QB Andy Dalton
  • RB Chuba Hubbard (Signed four-year extension)
  • RB Raheem Blackshear (RFA)
  • WR David Moore
  • WR Jalen Coker (ERFA)
  • TE Tommy Tremble
  • TE Ian Thomas
  • TE Feleipe Franks (RFA)
  • OL Brady Christensen
  • OL Cade Mays
  • C Austin Corbett
  • DL LaBryan Ray
  • DL DeShawn Williams
  • DL Jonathan Harris
  • DL Raequan Williams (ERFA)
  • OLB Charles Harris
  • OLB Thomas Incoom
  • OLB Cam Gill
  • ILB Shaq Thompson
  • CB Mike Jackson
  • CB Lonnie Johnson Jr.
  • CB Anthony Brown
  • S Xavier Woods
  • S Jordan Fuller
  • S Sam Franklin Jr.
  • S Nick Scott
  • S Demani Richardson (ERFA)
  • K Eddy Piñeiro
  • P Johnny Hekker
  • LS JJ Jansen

*RFA = Restricted free agent
*ERFA = Exclusive rights free agent

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Panthers announce 5 moves before Week 6 matchup vs. Falcons

The Panthers have signed OLB Marquis Haynes Sr. to their active roster.

Well, it seems as though Marquis Haynes Sr. is game-ready.

The Carolina Panthers announced on Saturday that they have signed the seventh-year outside linebacker to their active roster. Haynes Sr., who spent all six of his previous seasons with the organization, returned as a member of the practice squad on Oct. 4.

With the team’s top pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney considered doubtful for tomorrow’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, head coach Dave Canales talked about the possibility of elevating Haynes Sr. and/or fellow veteran Shaq Lawson from the practice squad for Week 6.

“Know how to use their hands,” Canales said of the two on Friday. “They got a plan for playing the run game, playing the pass game. Nice toolboxes in the pass rush, and those things. So again, it’s just a matter of getting eyes on them and feeling comfortable about them being ready to play football.”

Haynes Sr. appeared in 71 games for the Panthers between 2018 and 2023. He amassed 99 combined tackles, 14.0 sacks and four fumble recoveries.

Carolina also added tight end Ian Thomas to the active roster. Thomas began the regular season on injured reserve due to a calf issue.

Joining Haynes Sr. and Thomas in uniform tomorrow will be offensive lineman Brandon Walton and defensive lineman T.J. Smith—both of whom have been elevated from the practice squad.

Additionally, to help make some room on the roster, the Panthers placed center Austin Corbett on season-ending injured reserve with his biceps tear.

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Panthers Week 6 injury report: 5 players ruled out vs. Falcons

Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney may not be ready to go for Sunday’s matchup against the Falcons.

The anemic pass rush of the Carolina Panthers will probably be a whole lot weaker in Week 6.

After missing out on a third straight practice, starting outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney has been ruled doubtful for Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The three-time Pro Bowler has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury he sustained in the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears.

Outside of Clowney, the Panthers are currently carrying four edge rushers on their active roster—Charles Harris, Thomas Incoom, Tarron Jackson and DJ Johnson. Carolina has also recently signed Marquis Haynes Sr. and former first-round pick Shaq Lawson to their practice squad.

The Panthers have ruled out five players for the contest—tight end Tommy Tremble, centers Austin Corbett and Andrew Raym, right tackle Taylor Moton and inside linebacker Josey Jewell. Moton is set to miss the first game of his eight-year NFL career.

Here’s the full injury report from Friday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
C Austin Corbett Biceps DNP DNP DNP Out
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP DNP DNP Out
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle Limited Limited Limited Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Elbow DNP DNP DNP Out
C Andrew Raym Concussion DNP DNP DNP Out
TE Tommy Tremble Concussion DNP DNP DNP Out
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Shoulder DNP DNP DNP Doubtful
DL A’Shawn Robinson Ankle Limited DNP Limited Questionable
OT Ikem Ekwonu Elbow Full Limited Full –
CB Dane Jackson Hamstring Full Limited Limited Questionable
WR Xavier Legette Shoulder Full Full Full –
TE Ian Thomas Calf Full Limited Limited Questionable

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Jadeveon Clowney among 7 Panthers held out of practice on Thursday

Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney did not participate for a second straight practice.

Thursday’s injury report doesn’t seem to be all that encouraging for the Carolina Panthers. In fact, it appears to be a bit worse.

After holding out six players from Wednesday’s session, the team has listed seven non-participants from this afternoon. Joining the group, which already includes a few starters on defense, is defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson—who was limited with an ankle issue yesterday.

Perhaps the most concerning absence is that of outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, who injured his shoulder in the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears. The Panthers are exceptionally thin off the edge and have amassed just six sacks over five games in 2024.

Here’s Thursday’s injury report in full:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
C Austin Corbett Biceps DNP DNP
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP DNP
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle Limited Limited
OT Taylor Moton Elbow DNP DNP
C Andrew Raym Concussion DNP DNP
TE Tommy Tremble Concussion DNP DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Shoulder DNP DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Ankle Limited DNP
OT Ikem Ekwonu Elbow Full Limited
CB Dane Jackson Hamstring Full Limited
WR Xavier Legette Shoulder Full Full
TE Ian Thomas Calf Full Limited

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Panthers hold out handful of starters from Wednesday’s practice

Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney was amongst the starters who did not participate in practice this afternoon.

The Carolina Panthers were a bit shorthanded to kick off Week 6.

Wednesday’s practice did not include a handful of the team’s starters. Tight end Tommy Tremble (concussion), right tackle Taylor Moton (elbow), outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder) and inside linebacker Josey Jewell (hamstring/groin) were all listed as non-participants.

Also out, as expected, was center Austin Corbett—who tore his biceps in the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears. Corbett will be placed on the season-ending injured reserve.

Here is the full injury report from the afternoon:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
C Austin Corbett Biceps DNP
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle Limited
OT Taylor Moton Elbow DNP
C Andrew Raym Concussion DNP
TE Tommy Tremble Concussion DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Shoulder DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Ankle Limited
OT Ikem Ekwonu Elbow Full
CB Dane Jackson Hamstring Full
WR Xavier Legette Shoulder Full
TE Ian Thomas Calf Full

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Panthers announce 6 moves on Tuesday

The Panthers made a handful of moves on Tuesday.

The Carolina Panthers are trying to roll with the punches.

With starting center Austin Corbett now done for the rest of the season due to a biceps tear, the team announced that they have signed offensive lineman Cade Mays to their active roster. Mays, a former Panther, was previously a member of the New York Giants’ practice squad.

Carolina selected Mays in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft. The versatile 6-foot-6, 325-pound hog molly, who played every position on the offensive line during his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, has amassed 362 snaps at left guard and 104 at right guard as a pro.

Mays should provide some depth after the loss of Corbett, who head coach Dave Canales spoke about on Monday.

“Again, just another blow,” Canales told reporters yesterday afternoon. “With a guy that just stands for everything that I believe in—the work ethic, the practice habits, the professionalism, his positive outlook in terms of what can be on the next drive, just continuing to work and control the things that he can control. So my heart is with Austin.”

The Panthers also signed outside linebacker Thomas Incoom to the active roster. Incoom, who was elevated from the practice squad the past two weeks, has tallied 22 total snaps thus far.

In addition, the team has released running back Mike Boone and practice-squad safety Alex Cook and waived defensive tackle Jayden Peevy and safety Russ Yeast.

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Panthers HC Dave Canales provides injury updates following Week 5 loss to Bears

The Panthers are dealing with a handful of new injuries following their Week 5 defeat to the Bears.

The Carolina Panthers left the Windy City beaten in more ways than one on Sunday.

Head coach Dave Canales took the lectern this afternoon to provide some updates on his team following their 36-10 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 5. The most notable bit concerned center Austin Corbett, whose 2024 season will now come to a close after he tore his biceps in the defeat.

“Again, just another blow,” Canales told reporters. “With a guy that just stands for everything that I believe in—the work ethic, the practice habits, the professionalism, his positive outlook in terms of what can be on the next drive, just continuing to work and control the things that he can control. So my heart is with Austin.”

Canales would then relay some relatively positive news on fellow offensive lineman Taylor Moton, who injured his triceps. Moton is considered “week-to-week” and is expected miss Carolina’s outing against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Week 6 would, in turn, mark the first missed game of Moton’s eight-year NFL career.

In addition, rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney are “day-to-day” with shoulder injuries while tight end Tommy Tremble is currently in concussion protocol.

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Panthers C Austin Corbett out for season with torn biceps

Panthers C Austin Corbett is done for the 2024 season.

Carolina Panthers center Austin Corbett can’t catch a break.

The seventh-year lineman made an early exit from Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Bears with a bicep injury. Imaging on his arm from today has revealed that Corbett tore his biceps and, per head coach Dave Canales, is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 campaign.

This is now the third significant setback Corbett has sustained in as many years as a Panther. He tore his ACL in the regular-season finale in 2022, and then tore the MCL in his same knee in the middle of 2023—with the two injuries causing him to miss a total of 13 games.

Corbett’s latest injury is particularly unfortunate given his remarkable transition from guard to center this season. The 29-year-old has thrived as he’s manned the middle for the first time in his pro career.

Backup Brady Christensen took over for Corbett upon his departure yesterday, recording the final 19 offensive snaps at center in the 36-10 defeat.

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Key matchups for Panthers vs. Raiders in Week 3

The Panthers’ hog mollies will have their hands full in Las Vegas on Sunday.

If the Carolina Panthers are to lucky against the Las Vegas Raiders in Sin City on Sunday, here are four key matchups that will help them hit the jackpot . . .

Panthers RT Taylor Moton vs. Raiders DE Maxx Crosby

Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

If Carolina wants to get its passing game going, they’ll have to keep Crosby away from new starting quarterback Andy Dalton as much as possible. That’ll be the primary job of Moton, who is coming off another tough assignment out of the AFC West in Joey Bosa.

The eighth-year hog molly, per Pro Football Focus, allowed zero pressures in the 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Panthers G Austin Corbett and RG Robert Hunt vs. Raiders DT Christian Wilkins

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

If Carolina wants to establish the run, then they’ll have keep Wilkins (if he plays) from eating up space. Just as a reminder, it was Wilkins who held the single-season tackles record for a defensive lineman before Carolina’s Derrick Brown broke it in 2023.

Like their line mate in Moton, both Corbett and Hunt have been reliable in passing game—as opponents have produced just one pressure against the duo. Hunt, in particular, is also thriving through the ground—as he’s earned a 73.8 run-blocking grade from PFF.

Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney vs. Raiders RT Thayer Munford Jr.

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Las Vegas quarterback Gardner Minshew has recorded 428 passing yards from a clean pocket, the third-highest such total thus far. So he may have himself quite a day against the Carolina defense, which has tallied only two takedowns of opposing quarterbacks.

Clowney has to get it going against Munford Jr., who has been charged with a pair of sacks entering Week 3.

Panthers ILB Shaq Thompson vs. Raiders TE Brock Bowers

Harry How/Getty Images

Bowers is a pretty special talent at the tight end position, and the defensive deployments for the rookie have proven exactly that. The 13th overall pick, who is already at 156 receiving yards and 17 targets, has been lined up against linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties in his first two pro games.

The Raiders will probably try to get him matched with the ‘backers as much as they can on Sunday.

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