The Carolina Panthers introduced Matt Paradis to the media today after officially signing him to a three-year contract. Paradis is the latest in a growing trend of former Denver Broncos coming to Charlotte. Last year it was running back C.J. Anderson. Unlike Anderson, Paradis won’t get stuck behind anybody on the depth chart. He will be the team’s new starting center in place of Ryan Kalil, who he has apparently learned a lot from.
That’s the first of several takeaways from the media who were there for his Thursday afternoon press conference.
1. He learned from watching Ryan Kalil on film
The most obvious selling point for Paradis is that he offers a smooth transition at center after Ryan Kalil’s retirement. Paradis is only one inch taller and five pounds heavier and plays the game in much the same way. He also says he learned from watching Kalil on film.
2. The Panthers were already on his radar
Some analysts were apparently taken completely off guard by the news of the Panthers signing Paradis. We pinpointed him as a potential free agent target a couple months ago and apparently Paradis has always had Carolina on his radar.
3. Christian McCaffrey reached out first
Paradis says that the first Panthers player who reached out to him was running back Christian McCaffrey, who is from Denver, where his father Ed played wide receiver for the Broncos.
The relationship between McCaffrey and Paradis will be an important one for the next several years.
4. Paradis expects to be cleared by June
As promising as Paradis looks, there is one yellow flag: his history of injuries. Paradis was solid last season when he was on the field but he missed half the year because of another leg injury. He has also had surgeries on both hips since coming into the league.
Paradis says he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery though and expects to be cleared to play by June.
5. He won’t rub in Super Bowl 50 win
Yes, Paradis was there when the Broncos beat the Panthers in the Super Bowl a few years ago. That kind of pain never goes away for a fan-base. At least Paradis is not going to rub it in. Paradis has moved past it and says he wants to get back there with his new team.
6. He chose the Panthers for their culture
Finally, as to why he picked the Panthers when other teams were interested, Paradis says it was all about culture. He’s looking forward to working with coach Ron Rivera and be a part of the culture he’s built in Charlotte.
At least on paper, Paradis seems like an excellent fit. As long as he stays healthy, this should prove to be one signing that the Panthers don’t regret.
