The Carolina Panthers beat the long-term extension deadline and have locked up Taylor Moton for the foreseeable future.
The July 15 franchise tag deadline was ticking for the Carolina Panthers and offensive tackle Taylor Moton. But now both sides beat the clock with an extension. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Moton has agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal with $43 million guaranteed.
With Thursday being the deadline to lock up players to play on an extension or the franchise tag, Carolina made the right decision not only to extend Moton but have him protect newly acquired quarterback Sam Darnold. However, this goes beyond just protecting the quarterback.
Folks will recall how within the NFC South lies the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their pass rush. What better to eliminate a strong pass rush than to have physicality on your offensive line? Kansas City learned the hard way, and now everyone seems to be following that blueprint, including the Panthers.
Extending Taylor Moton was a critical and excellent decision by the Carolina Panthers.
A second-round pick out of Western Michigan in 2017, Moton has steadily improved in each year he has been in the NFL, and now he is rewarded handsomely for his services. But the journey is not yet complete. While he has his money, he must prove that the investment was worthy this upcoming season.
We mentioned Tampa Bay, but New Orleans still exists within the division. Sure, there’s no Drew Brees, but the Saints’ defense is formidable. Moreover, the Atlanta Falcons, while in rebuilding mode, tend to play their divisional opponents quite hard. As a result, Moton must continue to progress.
The Carolina Panthers may have struggled last season under Matt Rhule, but he has done good things since he arrived from Baylor. He drafted defensive back Jaycee Horn in April, brought Sam Darnold in for a fresh start, and extended Taylor Moton’s tenure in Carolina. A good start, but as stated before, there is more work to be done.