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NFC South: Top 4 Impact Free Agent division Signings

By Maurice Barksdale

Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) makes an 80 yard touchdown reception against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) makes an 80 yard touchdown reception against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFC South
May 25, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Matt Kalil (75) pushes a blocking sled during drills at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

. Left Tackle. Carolina Panthers. Matt Kalil. 4. player. 87

The Carolina Panthers signed defensive end Julius Peppers as a free agent and he will no doubt be an impact player for their defense.  They could certainly use a pass rusher of his caliber but there is another free agent the Panthers signed who may have an even bigger impact in the NFC South.

That would be left tackle Matt Kalil.  The Carolina Panthers have tried and failed to find a solution at left tackle and now they may have one in Kalil.  Quarterback Cam Newton is one of the toughest in the league.  But years of taking a pounding in the pocket and on the run are taking a toll.

Newton is out at least until training camp while he rehabs from rotator cuff surgery.  He was never really 100% during the 2016 season and playing hurt had a negative affect on his play.  The Carolina Panthers had to invest in more pass protection, hence the signing of Matt Kalil.

Cam Newton’s size and strength at times can negate a pass rush.  It enables him to stand in the pocket and take shots that the average quarterback would not be able to absorb.  I think the Panthers have felt they could spend less on the O-line before but no more.

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Matt Kalil gives them a legitimate left tackle who can give a higher level of pass protection for Cam Newton.  If the Carolina Panthers are win the NFC South, then a healthy Cam Newton is essential to that.  Matt Kalil is the first step to a healthy 2017 for their quarterback.

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