The Carolina Panthers' offensive line has been bitterly disappointing this season—and their most frustrating hog molly may be the one who's getting paid the most.
Starting right guard Robert Hunt has not delivered as he normally does here in 2026. In addition to mediocre pass protection and run blocking, the 2024 Pro Bowler has developed a bad habit of inexplicable procedural flags—and is tied for the league-lead in penalties entering Week 8.
It would have been unthinkable a year ago, but now the Panthers have to seriously consider replacing him next year. On that note, a new 2027 mock draft from Josh Edwards at CBS Sports has them doing just that—taking Minnesota guard Greg Johnson at No. 19 overall.
Edwards writes:
Carolina could move on from
Robert Hunt in the offseason and save $14 million toward the salary cap. The Panthers' offensive line has the third-highest pressure rate allowed this season, according to TruMedia. They have options at offensive tackle, so the interior should be the focus. Greg Johnson would bring stability to the unit.
Johnson (6-foot-6, 325 pounds) is the consensus top interior offensive line prospect in his class.
If the Panthers decide to move on from Hunt in 2027, they can save $19 million in cap space with a post-June 1 designation.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers hit reset at RG in new 2027 NFL mock draft
