Panthers throw NFL lifeline to former first-round pick Kenyon Green originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Carolina Panthers needed help.
Kenyon Green needed another chance.
The match was made.
Inviting Green to participate in last week’s rookie minicamp in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Panthers threw a professional lifeline to the former NFL first-round draft pick.
Following an underwhelming stint with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, Green remained an unsigned free agent. The Panthers provided an opportunity to last weekend’s lone tryout with NFL experience.
“It’s just an opportunity to get better, to get on a team, and I feel like I can help the team out wherever that might be,” Green told The Charlotte Observer following Friday’s practice. “I’m just here to compete and have fun playing football.”
Panthers provide opportunity for Kenyon Green
Listed at 6-foot-4, 323 pounds, Green lined up at right guard during the two-day minicamp. Could he be a depth option for high-priced starter Robert Hunt, who is coming off a Week 2 torn left biceps injury last season?
Entering the offseason training activities (OTAs), the defending NFC South-champion Panthers employ Chandler Zavala, Ja’Tyre Carter and Saahdiq Charles as backup interior linemen. Damien Lewis remains the starter at left guard. The Panthers lost Cade Mays (Detroit Lions) and Austin Corbett (Buffalo Bills) via free agency and elected not to re-sign Brady Christensen (Achilles surgery) and Jake Curhan from last year’s squad.
The Panthers may attempt to tap into Green’s potential.
“Really talented guy,” coach Dave Canales said after Friday’s practice. “(Offensive line coach Joe Gibert) and run-game coordinator Harold Goodwin) had (Green) graded pretty highly coming out (of college).
“I’m excited for him to have this opporunity.”
The Panthers have OTAs scheduled for May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2 and June 4, with mandatory minicamp slated for June 9-11.
With 11 undrafted free agents signed, will the Panthers eventually extend another professional lifeline to Green?