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Should the Panthers Bench Monroe Freeling? Rookie Tackle Allows Two Sacks in Return
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- Should the Panthers Bench Monroe Freeling? Rookie Tackle Allows Two Sacks in Return
The Carolina Panthers had high hopes for their 2026 rookie class. The team won the NFC South in 2025, so the hope was than an infusion of young talent would push the team even further in 2026.
Unfortunately, things haven't really gone to plan. The team's first-round pick, Monroe Freeling , was thrust into a large role considering Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu are both banged up . However, inserting the rookie into a starting role immediately hasn't gone smoothly.
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Freeling has consistently struggled in pass protection, and as a result, Bryce Young has had a couple of bad games in a row. Now, Pro Football Focus has released new rookie grades, and they show how badly Freeling is struggling.
Should Panthers Bench Freeling?
Aug 4, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tackle Monroe Freeling (57) on the way to the practice field at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Dalton Wassserman of PFF recently graded each rookie and ranked them among other rookies at their position. Freeling has an overall grade of 52.0 , which ranks ninth out of 10 qualified rookie tackles.
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In Week 8, Freeling earned a miserable 46.5 grade and was credited with allowing four pressures and two sacks. Freeling's Week 8 pass blocking grade was 32.7, which was his worst mark of the season. The rookie has now allowed a whopping 20 pressures and four sacks.
That performance is bad enough to warrant a benching. The problem is, the Panthers don't have anybody capable of replacing Freeling right now. If Moton and Ekwonu get healthy soon, then yes, Freeling will be on the bench. Until then, the team has to either stick with the rookie or turn to Stone Forsythe.
The Panthers just have to hope they're still alive when the two veterans return. The offensive line play is negatively impacting Bryce Young , and at one game below .500, the team is running out of time to right the ship.
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Freeling could still be a quality tackle in this league, but it's clear he wasn't ready to start. It also doesn't help that Rasheed Walker, who is manning left tackle, has been just as bad as Freeling.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
