Less than one hour into the official start of NFL free agency, Pat Elflein has signed with a new team.
The former Ohio State offensive lineman agreed to a three-year contract with the Carolina Panthers worth $13.5 million that includes $6 million fully guaranteed, his agent Jonathan Feinsod told reporters on Monday.
Former Jets' OL Pat Elflein reached agreement on a three-year, $13.5 million deal including $6 million fully guaranteed with the Carolina Panthers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2021
Elflein's agent, @FeinsodJonathan, confirmed his player intends to sign with Carolina.
Elflein is now on his third NFL team in less than a year's time. After spending nearly four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Elflein finished last season with the New York Jets after the Vikings waived him.
A starting guard on Ohio State's 2014 national championship team and the Rimington Trophy winner as college football's best center in 2016, Elflein has spent time at both positions in the NFL, and his versatility likely led to his early signing, as he's expected to start at guard for the Panthers but could also potentially play center in the future.
Panthers like Elflein's versatility. Should start at guard for them now, with potential to play center down the road with Matt Paradis in a contract year. https://t.co/EMXrGI7Zth
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 15, 2021
Elflein's agreement with the Panthers comes just minutes after the NFL's negotiation window for free agents began Monday at noon. Other former Ohio State players who are looking to cash in as free agents this year include All-Pro center Corey Linsley, wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Noah Brown, safety Malik Hooker, cornerback Gareon Conley and linebacker Raekwon McMillan.
In other contract news regarding former Ohio State offensive linemen, Andrew Norwell restructured his contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday, keeping him in Jacksonville to play for Urban Meyer – who coached him in his final two seasons as a Buckeye – for 2021.
Jaguars and guard Andrew Norwell have agreed to restructure his contract into a one-year deal worth up to $12 million, including $9 million fully guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2021
Norwells agent, @DrewJRosenhaus, confirmed the restructure this morning to ESPN.
