The White Rhino might have to go to battle.
According to Joseph Person of The Athletic, the Carolina Panthers may have a different look right in the middle of their offensive line come next season. Along with at least another guard, the team—per Person—is also exploring the addition of another center.
He wrote the following on Thursday:
With Taylor Moton entrenched at right tackle and Dave Canales and Dan Morgan committed to Ikem Ekwonu at left tackle, the Panthers are focused on bolstering their inside line spots. In addition to guard, the Panthers also want to bring in a center to compete with or replace Bradley Bozeman, according to sources familiar with the team’s thinking.
Bozeman, who signed a new three-year, $18 million deal last spring, is fresh off a bumpy campaign. Pro Football Focus charged the sixth-year lineman with the most sacks (eight) and sixth-most pressures (32) amongst all centers in 2023.
His place, or possible lack thereof, in head coach Dave Canales’ offensive scheme may also work against him. Bozeman is best as a downhill blocker, which may not be a great fit in a new wide-zone run attack.
Plus, with the center position boasting considerably deep classes in both free agency and the draft, the Panthers should have plenty of options to choose from.
