Keeping offensive line continuity is clear priority for Panthers

INDIANAPOLIS — The Panthers spent a lot of money on offensive linemen last year in free agency; that’s how you could tell it was important to them.

But the way general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales talked about the position Tuesday, you can tell it’s equally important for them to keep it at that level.

Dropping $150 million worth of contracts on guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis last year was a necessity after the Panthers allowed 65 sacks in 2023. And the early returns were good, as they dropped that sack number to 36 and were actually able to stabilize the offense and let Bryce Young emerge as a quarterback.

“That’s huge, right?” Canales said. “I mean, I think one of the strengths of our team was the offensive line play, and even with that group consistently changing, we had some guys that had a lot of versatility that helped us, so I think it’s really important that we look at those guys first, and try to make that a priority for us so that we can continue to help Rob and Damien do what they do best, having somebody that can be in there and direct traffic.”