Over the last two seasons, injuries have interfered with the Panthers’ guard plans. During their two-year tenure, the duo of Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen had four season-ending injuries combined, and Carolina’s free agency plan made sure that neither would be able to return to the starting guard position.
Damien Lewis was signed by the team to a four-year, $53MM contract, and Robert Hunt was given a five-year, $100MM agreement. The guard position is occupied by the former Dolphins and Seahawks blockers, moving Corbett and Christensen. But Bradley Bozeman’s release by the Panthers opened up a spot at centre, and Corbett is the clubhouse leader who can take advantage of it.
While casually browsing on his phone, Corbett noticed the free agency announcements. He acknowledged the addition of guards to the team and realized that this development would likely lead to him playing at center, a position he had always been destined to transition into during his career. Panthers GM Dan Morgan has confirmed that Corbett is adapting well to his new role at center. The seasoned player, who previously played as a guard since 2019, has never taken a snap at center in an NFL game. This shift is part of the Panthers’ strategic plan to field their best lineup.
Switching from tackle to guard in 2022, Christensen has started 24 games in the NFL. Morgan has indicated that the third-round pick from 2021 will be given opportunities at center, potentially leading to a competition between the two displaced guards for the center position. The previous season was challenging for Carolina’s offensive line, with both tackles, Ekwonu and Moton, underperforming. With the return of both tackles and the established Hunt-Lewis partnership, the Panthers have space for only one of the sidelined guards in their 2024 lineup. Morgan expressed optimism about Corbett’s development and the potential for Christensen to play at center. The team is focused on improving and fostering competition within the roster, remaining open to bringing in new talent.
