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Rams Free Agent OL Named 'Perfect Fit' for Panthers

A name Carolina fans will want to keep an eye on during free agency.

Carolina's offensive line allowed 65 sacks this past season, the most of any team in the NFL. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young spent the majority of the year running for his life and taking big shots while stepping into throws. 

The current matador-esque protection can't last much longer or the Panthers will be back to square one at the quarterback position. This offseason, GM Dan Morgan will heavily focus on improving that group up front to not only keep Young upright, but to open up bigger running lanes for Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders.

Pro Football Focus believes they have the answer, dubbing veteran free agent Kevin Dotson the "perfect match" for Carolina.

"Carolina needs to bring in fresh talent at nearly every spot on offense. They are set at tackle with Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton, but they could stand to add weapons in a receiver-heavy draft. They would also be wise to use the free agency period to add desperately needed interior offensive line help in front of Bryce Young.

"Carolina’s guards ranked last in the NFL in overall grade in 2023, so signing Los Angeles’ Kevin Dotson would be a massive move. Dotson had a tremendous breakout year, ranking second in the NFL in overall and run-blocking grades while posting a respectable 66.8 pass-blocking grade."

The 27-year-old has a projected market value of $16.4M per season, according to Spotrac. Slotting Dotson in at left guard would allow the Panthers to move Brady Christensen back outside and serve as a swing tackle.