Carolina Panthers should tender Geoff Schwartz

Current Carolina Panthers guard and former Oregon Ducks standout Geoff Schwartz is one of the most underrated offensive linemen in the game. He is currently a restricted free agent, and it is important for the Panthers to tender Schwartz. They might release the overpaid, but solid left guard Travelle Wharton, although it is far more prudent to restructure his deal. In any case, the uncertainties depth wise and at left guard and right tackle mean that keeping Geoff Schwartz is all the more important.

Although he is coming off of an injury, Geoff Schwartz was incredible in 2010 and this injury will not affect him in the future. He is an affordable, underrated, and versatile offensive lineman who is also adept at playing right tackle in addition to being a stalwart at right guard. He is one of the reasons why this offensive line has been successful, and no team knows his true value as well as the Panthers. If he hits the market, Schwartz will be grossly undervalued, and he might not even get a starting job if other teams don’t fully recognize his ability as a run blocker. He is one of the better guards in football and is a must-start, and his potential and ability is best realized by staying with the Panthers.

Likewise, the Panthers must ensure that Geoff Schwartz is a part of the team going forward. Everybody needs that good right guard/tackle that can succeed at both positions, and they have their man. Schwartz is an astute pass protector who will surely help keep Cam Newton’s jersey clean going forward.

He is at the very least a great back-up and has the upside of a top 15 starter at his position. The former Duck is a proud NFL player who deserves to be tendered by the Panthers, and it isn’t like Carolina has to pay much for some good production anyway. Versatile offensive lineman that can protect their quarterback at a high level are definitely in demand, especially when they come as cheap as Geoff Schwartz. So ignore the injury, because this is a guy who is an obvious tender.

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