Two Carolina Panthers free-agent additions land in the top 30 of their position group

The Carolina Panthers’ two free-agent additions are in the top 30 for their position groups.

Ian Kayanja
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Jun 4, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Backfield members Carolina Panthers running back Jaden Shirden (37), running back Mike Boone (34), running back Chuba Hubbard (30) and running back Raheem Blackshear (3) during OTAs. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Morgan and the Carolina Panthers made it a priority to add to an offensive line after the tumultuous 2023 season. 

Early in free agency, the Panthers signed Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt, two big guards that will ensure second-year quarterback Bryce Young remains upright in 2024. 

Recently, Pro Football Focus ranked the top 32 best guards in the NFL. On the list were both Lewis and Hunt, showing just how good both offseason additions were for Carolina. 

How good is Robert Hunt? 

Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Robert Hunt (68) is seen while leaving the field after the end of the second half of the game between host Miami Dolphins and the Houston Texans at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, November 27, 2022, in Miami Gardens, FL. Final score, Miami Dolphins, 30, Houston Texans, 15.
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Robert Hunt (68) is seen while leaving the field after the end of the second half of the game between host Miami Dolphins and the Houston Texans at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, November 27, 2022, in Miami Gardens, FL. Final score, Miami Dolphins, 30, Houston Texans, 15.Image via ANDRES LEIVA/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK

The former Miami Dolphins guard ranked No. 10 in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. 

He was unbelievably reliable during the 2023 season. The Panthers are hoping he brings that same skillset to Charlotte. 

"He allowed just five pressures, the second-fewest of any guard in the NFL, and surrendered the lowest pressure rate (1.3%)," Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus writes. "Those numbers were boosted by a quarterback-friendly offense predicated on Tua Tagovailoa getting the ball out fast, but Hunt still held up his end of the bargain.

"His reward was a five-year, $100 million contract from the Carolina Panthers. Hunt will now spend the next five years protecting Bryce Young. His 77.1 overall grade in 2023 ranked sixth among guards."

The Panthers needed to keep Young from being sacked for the smaller signal caller to be effective. Hunt is a move in the right direction. 

How good is Damien Lewis? 

Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks guard Damien Lewis (68) blocks San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Kalia Davis (93) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks guard Damien Lewis (68) blocks San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Kalia Davis (93) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium.Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

On the Pro Football Focus rankings, Lewis ranked No. 29. He is a solid pass blocker who suffered a down year during the 2023 season. That isn't indicative of what he can do in the 2024 season. 

"Lewis was a starter in his four years with the Seattle Seahawks, before earning a four-year, $53 million contract with the Carolina Panthers in the offseason," Valentine writes.

"Lewis’ 59.6 PFF overall grade in 2023 was the second lowest of his career, but he has earned a 68.0 pass-blocking grade over the past two seasons — which is more than respectable. He’ll need to be at his best to protect Bryce Young in Carolina moving forward."

Offensive line play was a necessity for the Panthers. It appears, for now, that Carolina made the right call in signing Hunt and Lewis to massive deals. Once the football starts, Carolina will see if all that money pays off. 

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