The Carolina Panthers are planning to release veteran center Bradley Bozeman at the start of the new league year and will need to find a new leader to spearhead the offensive line.
Here are a few different options the Panthers could go with.
Brian Allen
Allen is a quality football player, but the main concern is the long injury history. He suffered an ACL, MCL, and meniscus tear in his second year in the league, had a torn UCL in his right elbow in 2021, and dealt with knee and thumb injuries this past season. I don't see Allen getting a long-term deal or a ton of money, but could be a decent placeholder and if he can stay healthy, it's a win-win. Plus, he has experience playing with right guard Austin Corbett.
Evan Brown
Brown is a versatile veteran that has started a number of games at guard, but primarily at center. He is a Seahawk, but did not spend anytime with Dave Canales. Brown was only in Seattle this past season. This is more of a combo signing where if the Panthers find a center they like in the draft they could conceivably insert him into the competition at guard while serving as the backup guard.
The draft
I'm a huge proponent for selecting West Virginia's Zach Frazier at No. 33 and for a bevy of reasons. However, he's not the only intriguing center prospect in this draft class. Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon), Sedrick Van Pran (Georgia), and Drake Nugent (Michigan) are a few others who stand out.
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