Black and Blue Review
With Byron Bell on his way out and Mike Remmers a veteran of just six NFL games, the Carolina Panthers need to bring in at least one new offensive tackle this offseason. One possibility they’re considering is Michael Oher, according to a league source.
The 28-year-old, who’s best known for his rags to riches story told in “The Blind Side,” recently visited the Panthers, another source confirmed. The visit was first reported Wednesday by the Baltimore Sun.
Oher spent his first five seasons in Baltimore, where he never missed a game. He then signed a five-year, $20 million free-agent deal with the Titans last spring. After a toe injury limited him to just 11 games, he was waived-injured early this month.
Oher was ranked 75th among tackles by Pro Football Focus last season, only eight spots ahead of Bell. While he’s not a great option, the Panthers could use Oher as a stopgap while they groom a younger tackle in 2015.
After he was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2009 draft, Oher spent his first two seasons under current Panthers offensive line coach John Matsko. He’s split time between left and right tackle throughout his career, and the Panthers would likely first give him a look on the left side.
Since he was released, any team can sign Oher right now. If the Panthers are convinced he has enough left, and if he sees Carolina as a good opportunity, a deal could happen before the start of free agency on March 10.