Panthers G spotlight: Pending free agents, possible targets, 2023 draft outlook
The Carolina Panthers’ offensive line was a model of consistency this season until injuries knocked both Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett out of the team’s Week 18 game against the New Orleans Saints.
Both were injured before halftime and did not return to the team’s 10-7 season finale victory. Christensen sustained a broken ankle but avoided long-term injury. But Corbett tore his ACL, leaving his 2023 regular season availability unknown.
The team is hopeful Corbett will be ready for Week 1 but ACL injuries usually require about nine months of recovery time. Corbett had surgery on January 10, about nine months before the season will start. The Panthers would be wise to prepare for Corbett not to be ready for Week 1. The team has both internal and external options to offset Corbett’s recovery time.
Let’s explore those prospects.
Pending free agents
Michael Jordan
Jordan was the Panthers’ eighth offensive lineman throughout the season, behind tackle Cam Erving and rookie guard Cade Mays. While he was part of the “Arby’s package” as a third extra blocker, Jordan only played one offensive snap before Week 18. He was mostly used on the field-goal protection unit on special teams throughout the season, before entering the finale in the first quarter for Christensen.
Jordan will likely look for a bigger role elsewhere, as most of the team’s top guards are under contract.
Under contract
Austin Corbett
The Panthers signed Corbett to a lucrative contract last offseason. The former Cleveland Brown joined Carolina after winning a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams and instantly brought stability to the Panthers’ interior.
Corbett faces a lengthy offseason recovery from reconstructive knee surgery. He should be back to full strength in the fall but the Panthers should plan on Corbett beginning the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Brady Christensen
Christensen is expected to be ready for OTAs after breaking his ankle in the season finale. He started all 17 games at left guard this season despite entering the year with just six starts as a rookie. Christensen estimated himself as a consistent contributor in Year 2, working in tandem with center Bradley Bozeman and Corbett.
The Panthers beat defenses inside with duo and second-level combo blocks via Christensen, Bozeman and Corbett, which helped Carolina finish 10th in total rushing yards. As a pass blocker, Christensen allowed two sacks, two quarterback hits and 17 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
Cade Mays
Before Week 18, Mays played more snaps at fullback than he did a guard, center or tackle. That was not the expectation when Carolina drafted him No. 199 but Mays proved athletically capable and mentally sharp enough to be a key part of the Panthers’ short-yardage situations.
Mays earned 33 snaps at right guard when Corbett exited the season finale. If Corbett is unavailable to start training camp then Mays would be in line to start. Mays cross-trained this season at guard, center and tackle. Carolina sees Mays as an interior offensive lineman with starter potential.
Deonte Brown
Brown spent the 2022 season on the Panthers’ practice squad. Carolina selected Brown in the sixth round of the 2021 draft. He appeared in three games as a rookie and has two years left on his rookie contract.
Draft outlook
Steve Avila, TCU
Avila was a consensus All-American last season and helped TCU reach the national championship. He projects as an NFL guard but has the position flexibility that teams covet. Avila made 13 starts at center during his college career.
Andrew Vorhees, USC
Vorhees is the largest guard in the draft. His 6-foot-6 frame suggests he’s long enough to play tackle. At 325 pounds, he’s already built to block NFL defensive linemen.
The Panthers do not need interior linemen but if the team can identify a future starter with upside then selecting one on Day 2 would make sense.
Potential free agent options
Dalton Risner, Broncos
It’s unlikely Carolina targets an offensive guard in free agency. The guard market is thin and the Panthers have young depth at the position. If Carolina does sign a guard then the team would likely target a young veteran who offensive line coach James Campen could mold.
Risner was drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He started 62 of 66 games at guard for the Broncos over the past four seasons.
