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Carolina Panthers: Free Agents that should interest the Panthers

By Brandon Croce

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Strong safety Kenny Vaccaro #32 of the New Orleans Saints argues a penalty during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Strong safety Kenny Vaccaro #32 of the New Orleans Saints argues a penalty during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 10: Will Beatty #65 of the New York Giants in action against the Oakland Raiders during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 10: Will Beatty #65 of the New York Giants in action against the Oakland Raiders during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Left Tackle

While the right tackle position is set with Daryl Williams and Taylor Moton, the left tackle position should give the front office and coaching staff pause. The team still has Matt Kalil, who was signed to a big free agent contract last year, is likely to remain the starter even though he had a disappointing season.

The coaching staff though would obviously like to see a better performance from Kalil but the depth they have now would not likely push the starter. Blaine Clausell would likely be the next man up but he has been on five teams in his three years. However, he has been on the Panthers practice squad since 2016.

While there aren’t any sure-fire starting left tackles available, there are some players who have that potential. The two players that stand out is Will Beatty and Luke Joeckel.

Beatty, the 33-year old tackle, signed with the Eagles halfway through last season but did not see any playing time. The former starting tackle for the New York Giants would be a veteran presence and with a strong performance could push Kalil for the starting job.

Luke Joeckel, the former second overall pick, has had a disappointing NFL career after not becoming the franchise left tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He most recently played for the Seattle Seahawks last year, starting 11 games, but the Seahawks decided not to bring him back.

He could provide depth for the Carolina Panthers at tackle, as well as guard, but would need to take a substantial pay cut from the one-year, $8 million deal he got last year.

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