Taylor Moton's Contract Restructured To Free Up Cap Room
Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Taylor Moton had his contract reworked Friday, which per David Newton of ESPN, opens the team's payroll an additional $11 million ahead of free agency. Moton has started every regular-season game for Carolina dating back to the start of 2018 when he took over right tackle duties. The Panthers have myriad ways they could go in order to improve their roster heading into '22, but the decision to shift Moton's money around all but ensures that they'll be active when free agency commences March 16.
Taylor Moton, Panthers Agree To Four-Year, $72 Million Deal
Carolina Panthers right tackle Taylor Moton has agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal with the club Thursday. The deal includes $43 million guaranteed and ensures that Moton- who was PFF's highest-graded right tackle in 2020- avoids the franchise tag and nets a big payday. That's good news for Carolina's offense, particularly for both All-Pro back Christian McCaffrey and new signal-caller Sam Darnold, who should both benefit from the stability Moton brings to the otherwise unspectacular Carolina offensive line.
The Carolina Panthers are interested in extending right tackle Taylor Moton, but Moton has been prepared to play the 2021 season on the franchise tag for quite some time, so there would be a gap to bridge, according to sources. If the Panthers don't reach a long-term extension with Moton by Thursday, he'll play this year on the franchise tag, which will be for $13.8 million. The 26-year-old was one of the best right tackles in the NFL last year and should once again help Carolina's run game tremendously in 2021. Moton's blocking abilities should also be great news for new quarterback Sam Darnold as he looks to turn things around in his first year in Carolina.
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Taylor Moton already signed his franchise tender, according to the league's transaction wire. It means that Moton will make between $13.5 and $14 million for the 2021 season on the tag. Carolina made the move mostly because there just aren't many high-level tackles slated to become free agents when the new league year begins next week on March 17. The 26-year-old started and played in all 16 games in 2020 and graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 13 offensive tackle. Moton was a second-round selection in 2017 and has played nearly every snap on the team's offensive line -- he missed six snaps in 2019 -- since he entered the league. He's the third offensive tackle that Carolina has tagged in franchise history.
Taylor Moton
• OT
•
Panthers
