Report: Panthers' Moton prepared to play on franchise tag

Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Taylor Moton is prepared to play on the franchise tag next season, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

While the Panthers would like to ink the 26-year-old to an extension, there appears to be "a gap to bridge" before the parties can reach a long-term deal, Fowler adds.

Moton is set to earn $13.7 million after signing the one-year agreement with Carolina in March. The two sides have until July 15 to sign an extension ahead of the deadline for franchise-tagged players.

Carolina drafted the Western Michigan product in the second round in 2017. Moton has made 48 starts out of a possible 64 through four seasons. The right tackle has started every game for the Panthers since 2018.