Dan Morgan is making waves in free agency, and the Carolina Panthers are looking to bolster their ranks. With significant investments already made in Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd to address defensive concerns, it's time for the offense to get some attention, especially after Cade Mays' departure.
The Panthers have added former Seahawks and Raiders offensive tackle Stone Forsythe to their roster. While Forsythe may not be a game-changer, his addition is crucial for depth, especially with Ikem Ekwonu sidelined indefinitely due to a torn patellar tendon. As things stand, Yosh Nijman is likely to fill in for Ekwonu at the start of the season, with Forsythe providing backup behind Taylor Moton.
In a quick follow-up move, the Panthers have also secured former Jaguars and Saints center Luke Fortner. Fortner had a rough stint with the Jaguars but showed improvement with the Saints, stepping up when Erik McCoy was injured.
This deal is reportedly a one-year, low-cost contract, indicating that the Panthers aren't banking on Fortner as a long-term solution. However, with Cade Mays now with the Lions on a lucrative deal, the need for depth at center was pressing.
While these signings might not make headlines, securing veteran depth on the offensive line is a smart move. The Panthers are clearly focused on building a sturdy foundation as they search for long-term solutions in key positions.