Report: Panthers want to sign RT Taylor Moton to extension before July 15 deadline

The Saints and Ryan Ramczyk reset the market for right tackles earlier Wednesday, and that could pave the way for Taylor Moton‘s extension in Carolina. According to Joseph Person of The Athletic, the Panthers are hoping to complete a long-term deal with Moton before the July 15 deadline.

The team slapped Moton with the franchise tag earlier this offseason, but it was believed the team was eyeing a long-term deal for the former second-round pick. The 27-year-old has started 48 straight games at right tackle for the Panthers, with Pro Football Focus grading Moton as a top-20 tackle in each of those three campaigns. That included a 2020 season when the lineman ranked as a top-five right tackle.

Ramczyk’s new deal with New Orleans could certainly provide a basis for a Moton extension. Ramczyk inked a five-year, $96M deal that included $60M in guarantees. Ramczyk’s $19.2M AAV makes him the NFL’s highest-paid right tackle, eclipsing a mark that was previously held by Eagles lineman Lane Johnson. Ramczyk’s $60M guarantee also surpasses Johnson’s ($55M), with the two players earning the distinction of being the only right tackles with guarantees surpassing $35M. For comparison’s sake, Moton will earn around $13.7M this upcoming season under the franchise tag.

The Panthers aren’t the only team looking to extend their right tackle. We learned earlier Wednesday that the Colts were working with Braden Smith on a long-term deal.