Blake Martinez

The Panthers were taken aback when Luke Kuechly announced his retirement from the NFL nearly a month ago. Kuechly spent eight seasons in Carolina and was regarded as arguably the best linebacker in the league.

Without a doubt, the Panthers aren’t going to find a linebacker this offseason that is better than Kuechly. At the same time, they do need to find his replacement in free agency or through the draft.

If the Panthers consider someone in free agency, hopefully they aren’t contemplating the idea of signing Blake Martinez. Martinez has led the Green Bay Packers in tackles since 2017 and is an impending free agent.

Even though he’s a tackling machine, Martinez doesn’t fit what the Panthers are looking for at the linebacker position. In an attempt to replace Kuechly, Carolina needs a linebacker that is reliable in passing situations; which Martinez is not.

Additionally, due to the recent increase in the linebacker market, Martinez is likely going to command a lucrative contract. Given their current financial situation, the Panthers shouldn’t spend an extensive amount of money on a one-dimensional linebacker.