NFL writer predicts first Pro Bowl for Panthers offensive lineman

If the Carolina Panthers are going to make noise in the NFC South this season, their offense is going to have to be a whole lot better than last season. That’s going to have to start up front with a significantly better performance from their offensive line. Carolina’s front office made numerous moves to ensure their offense runs better in 2024, and one of those moves up front could be on their way to the Pro Bowl in 2024.

Senior NFL news writer for NFL.com, Kevin Patra, recently predicted one first-time Pro Bowler for each team in the league, and for the Carolina Panthers he’s landed on their free agent signing, Robert Hunt. Carolina signed Hunt away from the Miami Dolphins with a massive contract in the off-season, giving Hunt a five-year deal worth $100 million. The first two seasons of the deal net Hunt $44 million and are fully guaranteed.

It’s a huge commitment to an offensive lineman who comes from a team that isn’t known for its stellar play up front, so the move doesn’t come without risk. However, Hunt was a bright spot for an otherwise lackluster Dolphins offensive line, particularly in 2023. Per Pro Football Focus , Hunt gave up just one sack in 11 games for the Dolphins last season, giving up just five pressures in that time. Injuries hampered him somewhat over the season, but when Hunt was healthy he was the clear-cut best lineman on the team.

Carolina is hoping that Hunt can replicate that success and give them a great interior blocker to help protect former #1 overall pick Bryce Young, who struggled mightily in his rookie season. They’re also hopeful his run-blocking prowess can open up the running game for the Panthers and take some of the pressure off Young and new arrivals Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette.

If Hunt can be the driving force for those improvements, he should find his way to the Pro Bowl in 2024, the first of his five-year career.