Evaluating offensive linemen is getting easier each year as advanced statistics become more prominent. As far as the experts are concerned, the Panthers are getting a good one in former Broncos center Matt Paradis. Last week, Paradis signed a three-year, $27 million deal that cements him as the team’s new starter, replacing Ryan Kalil.
There are some yellow flags with Paradis, notably two hip surgeries and a broken fibula that he’s still recovering from. However, for what it’s worth Pro Football Focus has been high on his work. Paradis has graded out No. 2 overall at center in both 2018 and in 2016. He’s never ranked lower than No. 11 at the position the last four years.
Kalil was always a tremendous run blocker and locker room type. However, Paradis offers a genuine upgrade in pass protection.
In theory, Cam Newton should see significantly less pressures up the middle in 2019 than he has in recent years. That alone makes this a worthwhile, if not splashy free agent move.
