The Panthers were supposed to roll into 2019 with Graham Gano as their starting kicker. Gano has yet to kick during this preseason, though – raising questions about his health and future with the team.
Meanwhile, Joey Slye has performed at a high level with Gano on the sidelines. Slye has yet to miss a field goal attempt and has shown some real range. He has connected on a 54-yarder against the Bills and a 55-yarder against the Bears.
Carolina fans seem to be frustrated with Gano’s performance in 2018, despite the fact that he hit a game-winning 63-yard field goal against the Giants. It’s also worth noting that Gano was the most accurate kicker in the entire league the previous season, going 29 for 30 on field goals.
Nevertheless, fans have short memories and the NFL is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately kind of business. That means we now have a full-blown kicker controversy on our hands.
Slye looks solid, but he’s not the only option if Carolina decides to deal Gano to another team before the season starts. Former Falcons kicker Matt Bryant is still a free agent despite kicking 86.2 percent for his career.
Who do you think should be the Panthers’ kicker in 2019? Vote below.
