Matt

Paradis

Paradis was placed on injured reserve today. He was joined by left tackle Cam Erving, who suffered a calf injury in the same game. Erving’s injury is not believed to be season-ending but his stint on injured reserve will last at least three weeks. No matter who is under center for the Panthers this week, they appear destined to be under pressure throughout the game. Carolina faces an Arizona defense that is ranked fourth in the NFL at 2.8 sacks per game this year.

Paradis went down in the opening moments of the game with what was clearly a serious injury. His teammates waved the medical staff onto the field as quick as they could. Before going down, Paradis had missed scarcely a snap before arriving in Carolina in 2019. Sam Tecklenburg is the next man up at the pivot.

The Broncos reportedly let Paradis walk in free agency because of concerns about a broken leg which ended his 2018 season, but Carolina’s new center appears to be progressing well. “The leg is coming along real well. We’ve just got to ease into it,” Paradis said. “I think we’re ahead of schedule.” Already getting in limited work during OTAs, Paradis looks on track for training camp.

Paradis ended 2018 on injured reserve because of a broken right fibula. The injury is reportedly why the Broncos did not push harder to bring Paradis back, but the Panthers are unconcerned. Paradis and the return of RT Daryl Williams should boost Carolina’s offensive line, but both come with injury questions.

It’s a big get for the Panthers, as Paradis was viewed as the top available center and comes at a cheaper rate -- $9 million per year -- than the Bills paid Mitch Morse, who got $11 million annually. Paradis is entering his age-30 season and coming off a lost season to a broken ankle. But Paradis consistently grades out as one of the league’s top pivots. Longtime Panthers C Ryan Kalil is expected to end his playing career, so Paradis will step right in there. The five-year vet expects to be fully cleared for football activities by June.

Arguably the best interior lineman available this year, Paradis was expected to have a fairly strong market, so it is a bit of a surprise he is doubling back with the Broncos. Perhaps he is just giving them a chance to match an offer. After signing Ja’Wuan James on Monday, bringing back Paradis would be a big boost to Denver’s perennially embattled offensive line.

Paradis has been a staple in the middle of Denver’s O-line the last few seasons, but the team still curiously allowed him to test the open market. Klis also noted the Broncos are “not out of it.” Denver arguably needs Paradis back to have any semblance of respectable pass-protection despite recovering from November foot surgery.

This would be different if Paradis wasn’t recovering from November foot surgery. Paradis has been one of the best centers the last few seasons, so Denver not extending him suggests there’s some concern over his rehab. The Broncos are expected to hold talks with Paradis at the Combine.

Paradis went on IR in Week 9 of last year. He’s been setback-free in his rehab and looks on track for training camp. An impending free agent, the Broncos should extend Paradis this offseason.

It’s a season-ending injury. Paradis is one of the top centers in the league, so this is a huge loss. Connor McGovern will replace Paradis, with Elijah Wilkinson taking over at right guard.