“That’s elite WR money right there” – Panthers sign OL Robert Hunt for $100 million to aid Bryce Young; fans react

Hunt has only allowed 12 sacks in 3,316 snaps during his time in the NFL.

“That’s elite WR money right there” – Panthers sign OL Robert Hunt for $100 million to aid Bryce Young; fans react

Robert Hunt (#68) leaves the field following pregame warm-ups before the game between the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at Hard Rock Stadium (Image via IMAGO)

The Carolina Panthers did not waste much time adding protection for Bryce Young as they signed guard Robert Hunt. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport reported that Hunt signed a mouthwatering five-year $100 million deal.

The Panthers definitely required reinforcement. Being the first pick in the NFL draft last year, the expectation around Bryce Young was massive. But he struggled to acclimate to the NFL and suffered a great deal. He was the second-most-sacked quarterback in the league with 62 (only behind Sam Howell with 65).

YouTube video

Adding Hunt should make life easier for the Alabama graduate. Since his draft in 2020, the 27-year-old has played almost every position besides left guard in the O-line. As per ESPN.com stats, Hunt has recorded 90.9% of his pass blocks during his career, only allowing 12 sacks in 3,316 snaps. Hence, the Panthers chose to give him a blockbuster contract.

FS Video

Football fans react to the Panthers giving Robert Hunt a lucrative 5-year $100 million contract

Hunt will join the Carolina Panthers ranks with two other experienced campaigners in the interior line. Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen have held down the fort, but with the addition of the 6-foot-6 Texas native, it should make things easier.

"That's elite WR money right there"-Panthers sign OL Robert Hunt for $100 million to aid Bryce Young
Miami Dolphins guard Robert Hunt (#68) reacts toward the crowd after winning the game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami Gardens Hard Rock Stadium Florida (Image via IMAGO)

However, social media was buzzing after Garafolo announced the details of Robert Hunt‘s contract information. Usually, guards don’t get a large payday like Hunt. They argued the number suggested it was a wide receiver rather than an O-lineman.

Well, the fans may have to eat their word because Spotrac revealed that Hunt isn’t the top-earning interior lineman in the NFL. Eagles Landon Dickerson is the highest-earning guard in the league, with an annual salary of $21 million.

During the NFL Combine, the new Panthers head coach, Dave Canales, teased that he was committed to protecting Young. Canales identified that Young wasn’t the problem last season, so he will not try to ‘fix him.’ Rather, he wants to build the team around the second-year QB.

Building an offense that we can be proud of. something that is tough. I really respect Bryce[Young]... I think that he's got the tools that we saw a year ago. It's about improving the Carolina Panthers. Bryce is just one piece of the puzzle.
Canales said, as per Panthers.com

Adding Hunt is a start, but giving Young the targets to throw to should now be the main priority for Canales. The Panthers’ only playmaker for now is veteran Adam Thielen. WR Laviska Shenault is an unrestricted free agent, while Ihmir Smith-Marsette has barely played since his move from the Kansas City Chiefs.

In case you missed it: