The Carolina Panthers took a look at one of the New Orleans Saints free agents: offensive lineman Jermon Bushrod. Field Yates of ESPN first reported the meeting. Bushrod appeared intermittently for the Saints at guard and tackle throughout the 2018 season before entering the starting lineup when left tackle Terron Armstead missed six games.
Bushrod rejoined the Saints after leaving years earlier in free agency, initially signing with the Chicago Bears and then landing with the Miami Dolphins. His versatility and wealth of experience were valuable to the Saints in the 2018 campaign as injuries slammed the offensive line. The Panthers saw this firsthand in their two late-season games against New Orleans. They also have a need at the position after releasing starting left tackle Matt Kalil and reaching an agreement with incumbent right tackle Daryl Williams on a one-year extension.
Bushrod would probably like to return for the Saints for one more year, and it would be easy to see the team welcoming him back. But he’s nearing the end of his career and if the Panthers are interested in giving him one last payday, then by all means he deserves to go get it. It’s telling that Bushrod met with the Panthers and left without a contract, but it’s too soon to suggest that door is shut behind him.
