Analysis: The Panthers need help at offensive line. Why trading for it won’t be easy
Before the Panthers’ 19-13 win over the Falcons, their offensive line had been among the worst in the NFL.
They had given up 24 sacks through seven games, the second-most allowed, trailing only the Chicago Bears, who had allowed 26. And they were dealing with injuries, too.
So trading for an offensive lineman, particularly a guard, isn’t far-fetched. It would likely be one of the Panthers’ top two or three priorities — depending on Sam Darnold’s health — ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
The problem is, trading for an offensive lineman is difficult. There are few teams willing to part ways with offensive linemen. And the Panthers are not the only ones looking for one.
“Yeah, I think that’s something you’re always looking at,” Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer said last month when asked whether the Panthers would seek an offensive lineman. “I mean, it’s not like there are offensive linemen available. I think every team’s in the same situation we are. … There’s just not a lot of offensive linemen on the market right now. No one’s letting them out (the door) — even their backups.”
It also has the potential to be costly. A team looking to unload an offensive lineman would likely want a draft pick in return, and the Panthers need to recoup some of their draft picks.
When asked Monday whether the Panthers are considering trading for an offensive lineman, Panthers coach Matt Rhule said the Panthers will look at every trade.
“Scott (Fitterer) looks at everything when people call us before the trade deadline,” Rhule said. “I’m sure him, and Pat (Stewart) and Dan (Morgan) are probably on the phone all day today. For all positions, we’ll look at every trade, so we’ll see what happens.”
The Panthers have made 13 trades since Fitterer arrived in January, living up to his declaration that the Panthers would “be in on every deal.” Fitterer hasn’t directly added any linemen through trades (the exchanging of draft picks led to the selection of tackle Brady Christensen) but has dealt one — Greg Little — to the Miami Dolphins. This deal may prove to be the most difficult.
The Bears, Seahawks, Giants and Ravens could be buyers because they are either struggling or dealing with injuries to offensive linemen.
The one positive is that the Panthers’ offensive line played arguably their best game Sunday, despite playing with their sixth different offensive line combination. Backup Trent Scott started at right guard for John Miller, who was put on injured reserve last week.
The Panthers didn’t allow a single sack against the Falcons and only three quarterback hits. That’s remarkable considering they allowed 10 quarterback hits and six sacks against the Giants in Week 7.
There’s also left guard Michael Jordan, who has started the past two games at left guard.
The Panthers claimed him off waivers Sept. 1 from the Bengals. They waived him on Oct. 4 and signed him again the following day. He’s not going anywhere this season.
Rhule called him “the brand,” last week.
“He’s tough, physical. Tries to set edges,” Rhule said. “Plays hard. I think he’s going to be a guy who is a really good offensive lineman for us for a while.”
If the Panthers cannot trade for a quality offensive lineman, then perhaps they can take something from their game against the Falcons.
They pounded the ball and ran for 203 yards.
“I was proud of our offensive line,” Rhule said. “They played hard, they played physical. It was a good step. It’s a whole new week this week, though.”
