The Carolina Panthers have long been projected to get a compensatory draft pick for the loss of star guard Andrew Norwell in free agency last year. Today, it became official. According to a report by Adam Schefter at ESPN, the team has been awarded an extra third-rounder.
Norwell wasn’t the only factor for the comp pick. The team also lost tight end Ed Dickson, who signed with the Seahawks – plus defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, who went to join the Carolina North Bills.
Norwell is the big name though and the Panthers simply could not compete with Jacksonville’s offer last March. He signed a five-year deal worth a total of $66.5 million and $30 million guaranteed. Carolina wound up replacing Norwell with Greg Van Roten. While he can’t compete with Norwell’s power, he did well for himself as a run blocker and played every single offensive snap, the only player on the roster to do so.
