Former Seahawk Damien Lewis has reportedly agreed to a four-year, $53 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, reuniting with former LSU head coach Dave Canales. Canales has previously spoken about his “stubbornness” regarding the run game and his interest in building up his offensive line for young quarterback, Bryce Young.
The addition of Damien Lewis at left guard closely followed the stunning $100 million contract with former Miami Dolphin, Robert Hunt. These two deals prove Canales is not bluffing about his prioritization on the offensive line and his opinion that Bryce Young is not the problem.
Lewis was a two-year starter at LSU after transferring from Northwest Mississippi Community College and is remembered as part of a dominant center-guard tandem in the 2019 season with teammate Lloyd Cushenberry. In his senior season, he was selected to First Team All-America and received the Joe Moore Award for his impressive work on the offensive line. Lewis went on to be a third-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2020 NFL Draft and was moved from right to left guard in his rookie season.
Carolina Panthers making big changes under new coach, Dave Canales
Panthers fans seem impressed with Dave Canales and his moves so far during this free-agency period. After dropping players like center Bradley Bozeman, cornerback Donte Jackson, and tight end Hayden Hurst. Their offensive line is beginning to look strong and the protection for Bryce Young has skyrocketed with these additions. On the other hand, Panthers fans are still skeptical about the upcoming season and new coach after being a stand-out worst last season, finishing with a record of 2-15. These fans include country superstar, Luke Combs, who was outspoken with his dislike for the franchise decisions.
.@Panthers WHAT ARE WE DOING?!?!? No first round pick for McCaffrey a few years back and now none for Burns?!?! Are we just fire bombing the whole team here or what? I usually don’t comment on these kinds of things but it’s just becoming slow torture at this point.
— Luke Combs 🎤 (@lukecombs) March 12, 2024
With these free agency additions, it is clear that the Panthers’ offensive line will be changing drastically, fans can only hope it will be in a positive direction.