Panthers use franchise tag on right tackle Taylor Moton
The Carolina Panthers have made their first move of the offseason, albeit an expected one.
Right tackle Taylor Moton has been designated by the Panthers for the franchise tag, per a league source with direct knowledge of the situation, meaning he will earn from $13-14 million for the 2021 season if he ends up playing on the tag. An exact amount is not yet known as the salary cap has not been finalized. The team later confirmed the news.
Moton’s representation and the Panthers have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal. An extension would make sense, but will face some obstacles to come to fruition over the next few months, despite any desire from the team, per league sources. After this season, the cap is expected to increase due to new TV deals, increase in attendance at games and other revenue streams. Larger long-term contracts are more likely to be executed in years to come, compared to what teams can offer this offseason. The right tackle is willing to play on the one-year tag.
Keeping Moton, 26, on the roster was a priority for Carolina and he will now, at minimum, be on the team for the upcoming season. The team was scheduled to have four of five starting offensive linemen from 2020 hit free agency but decided to make it a priority to retain the right tackle, who has been with the team since he was drafted in the second round in 2017.
With the move, the Panthers are one of nine teams that officially decided to use the franchise tag this offseason, not including the Dallas Cowboys with a long-term already in place for quarterback Dak Prescott, and the third to use it on an offensive lineman.
Since 2018, Moton has started every game and played almost 100% of Carolina’s offensive snaps. He was among the top tackles scheduled to hit free agency this offseason and is known for his consistency in run blocking. During the 2020 season, Moton was only called for one penalty last year, by far a career-low, although holding penalties were down across the league.
Moton has allowed 10 sacks in his career, per Pro Football Focus, and only three this past year. He has given up four career quarterback hits and he allowed 20 pressures in 2020, which was the fewest among offensive tackles that played at least 600 snaps.
The Panthers have experienced a lack of consistency at the two tackle positions over the last several years. Retaining Moton for longer is a positive step in creating more long-term success on the line. Whoever is playing quarterback for the Panthers, and especially if it is a rookie player, investing in protection is important and having a reliable right tackle is a key piece of that.
The next steps will include figuring out who will start alongside him at both guard positions and left tackle. If a long-term deal is eventually reached with Moton, his return is a solid first step up in setting up the offensive line for the future.
This story was originally published March 9, 2021 at 2:20 PM.
