The Carolina Panthers are ready to bounce back after a tough season. The new head coach, Dave Canales, takes the helm following a mid-season switch-up that saw Frank Reich’s departure. With Canales in the lead, the Panthers are looking to build a fresh team identity and make some key changes to their roster for the next season.
The Carolina Panthers are getting ready for some big changes to their roster. As part of their roster overhaul, the Panthers have secured the services of the former Seattle Seahawks’ free agent guard, Damien Lewis.
Damien Lewis expected to join Panthers
Damien Lewis has secured a deal with the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers and Lewis reached an agreement on a four-year contract worth $53 million, with an impressive $26.2 million fully guaranteed, according to reports from Dov Kleiman.
The former third-round pick brings valuable experience to the Panthers, having spent four years in the NFL, all as a starter with the Seattle Seahawks. His durability is evident, as he missed just three games during his tenure in Carolina.
He quickly established himself as a reliable force on the offensive line after being drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Last season alone, he started all 16 games, adding to his impressive total of 61 career starts, per NBC Sports.
He has proven himself to be a consistent and dependable presence on the field, having been ranked 32nd among all guards in the league over his four NFL seasons. The 26-year-old guard’s contribution to the Seahawks did not go unnoticed, and now he’s ready to bring his skills to the Panthers. His role as a left guard for the last three seasons proved his ability to provide stability on the offensive line.
His experience and performance make him a valuable asset for the Panthers, as they aim to bolster their offensive line for the upcoming season.
Damien Lewis’ performance in the 2023 NFL season
Throughout the 2023 season, Lewis logged a total of 926 snaps on offense. In terms of penalties, Lewis accumulated just four infractions throughout the season.
Nevertheless, when it came to protecting the quarterback, Lewis found himself in a less favorable position. He allowed three sacks during the season, placing him among the bottom performers in the league in this category.
Meanwhile, amidst the Panthers’ efforts to fortify their offensive line, they selected Bryce Young as the first overall pick in the draft. Nevertheless, Young faced challenges throughout the season, highlighting the urgency for the Panthers to enhance their protection for him.
To bolster their offensive line, the Panthers wasted no time in making moves. Earlier on Monday, guard Robert Hunt inked a five-year deal with the team. Now, with Damien Lewis also joining the fold, the Carolina team has secured two key additions to shield Bryce Young on the field.
With the signings of Lewis and Hunt, the Panthers are poised to provide Bryce Young with solid protection in the pocket for the foreseeable future.
