Stone Forsythe Finds a New Home with Carolina Panthers
Former Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Stone Forsythe is on the move again, landing with a familiar face in the NFL coaching landscape. Forsythe, who was drafted by the Seahawks in the sixth round of the 2021 draft, has had a tumultuous journey, marked by ups and downs on the field.
Pete Carroll, known for his loyalty to players who embraced his team culture, initially brought Forsythe into the league. While Forsythe was considered a developmental prospect, circumstances thrust him into a starting role for eight games in his third season, where he struggled to find his footing.
After a stint with the New York Giants and a brief release, Forsythe reunited with Carroll at the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite Carroll's efforts, including bringing in former Seahawks like Geno Smith and Tyler Lockett, the offensive line woes persisted, and Forsythe's performance didn't help matters. Starting 13 games, he allowed 11 sacks, raising questions about his future in the league.
However, Forsythe's journey takes another turn as he joins the Carolina Panthers, led by head coach Dave Canales-a former Pete Carroll disciple who was part of the Seahawks' staff during Forsythe's early years. Canales likely sees potential in Forsythe that others might have overlooked.
Forsythe's stats from last season paint a challenging picture: he allowed the most sacks among tackles but was only 16th in pressures allowed. This suggests that while he wasn't constantly pressured, when he was beaten, it was often decisive and impactful.
The Panthers' decision to bring Forsythe on board indicates a belief in his ability to improve and contribute under Canales' guidance. While his performance has been shaky, the familiarity and trust from a coach who knows his potential could be the key to unlocking Forsythe's capabilities on the field.
As Forsythe embarks on this new chapter, the Seahawks can focus on their future without him, while the Panthers hope to harness his potential and bolster their offensive line.