It was early March when the Panthers unofficially traded for Pro Bowl left tackle Russell Okung. Nearly six weeks later, everything is official and Okung finally got to talk about coming to Carolina.
The 31-year-old still hasn't gotten the chance to settle in at Bank of America Stadium due to the travel restrictions related to COVID-19. Navigating a global pandemic is clearly uncharted territory for Okung, but starting an offseason program later than expected is not. He was heading into his second year in the league during the lockout in 2011 when teams weren't able to begin workouts until late July.
"I think it's OK if we miss this time," Okung said. "I'm putting a lot of trust in our coaching staff, the players' abilities to be prepared and ready for the demands of the game. I think it's important to note the players I've talked to, they're working their tail off to be as competitive as they can for the year."
Teams are allowed to begin virtual offseason programs Monday. Those can run until May 15 and consist of online classroom sessions and virtual workouts.
No hard feelings
After three years with the Chargers, Okung was dealt to the Panthers in exchange for right guard Trai Turner. According to Okung, his exit had been in the works for a while.
"It was a conversation that the head coach, Anthony Lynn, and I had been having for some time," Okung said. "Some things just didn't work out and it came down to me being traded."
"(Lynn is) one of the greatest people, one of the greatest men I've ever been around," Okung added. "I think it's important also to note that the man stood next to me when I was going through my own personal health issues. He really stuck his neck out there to ensure that I'd be compensated for the year, and that's the sort of leader and man that I've always wanted to be around."
Now, he has his eyes set on what's ahead in Carolina.
"I'm excited. I can't wait to see what we're going to do this year, whenever that starts," Okung said. "I think they made a great decision going out to get me, and I'm happy with where I am."
Reuniting with Pat Meyer
Okung will have a familiar face waiting for him when he eventually arrives in Carolina. New offensive line coach Pat Meyer joined the Panthers in February after spending three years with the Chargers — and Okung.
"(Meyer is) a very eclectic dude," Okung said. "He's probably one of the smartest football minds I've ever been around. Definitely one that I respect. He's so diligent about his craft."
"Don't tell him I said any of this," he added, with a laugh. "I know he's probably watching every single guy that's on the team tirelessly. I know he can't wait to get back to work, just like me, so I'm looking forward to continuing to be together."
One of the perks of bringing in a veteran like Okung is his ability to mentor younger linemen, like second-year players Greg Little and Dennis Daley.
"I think you lead from the front," Okung said. "I know they're putting a lot on my shoulders in terms of being ready, in terms of passing on all the things that I've been given in my tenure in the NFL. I'll do just that."
What rebuild?
With a new head coach and the exit of several star players, many have speculated whether the Panthers are rebuilding. That's not how Okung sees it.
"I've made it really clear, I'm not here to just rebuild," Okung said. "I'm here to win, and I'm here to win right now.
"I think, if anything, those that were brought in are just going to make us better, a more talented team."
Among the offensive pieces Okung praised were quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Christian McCaffrey.
"What a talent. What a real talent," Okung said of McCaffrey. "He is a playmaker. He makes plays all over the field.
"I heard he loves offensive linemen, so I look forward to a good Christmas gift from him."
Okung previously played for Chargers (2017-19), Broncos (2016) and Seahawks (2010-15).
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) seen on the bench during an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018 in Glendale, Ariz. Arizona won 24-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) gets set during the 2018 regular season week 1 NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 in Carson, Calif. The Chiefs won the game 38-28. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chargers defeated the Chiefs, 29-28. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) looks up from the sideline with his helmet off during a NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018 in Carson, Calif. The Chargers won the game 26-21. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive lineman Russell Okung (76) jogs to the sideline during a regular season Week 17 NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos in Denver on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018. The Chargers beat the Broncos 23-9. (Matt Patterson via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive lineman Russell Okung (76) looks to block against Ravens linebacker Matthew Judon (99) during a NFL Wild Card Playoff football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019. The Chargers beat the Ravens 23-17. (Matt Patterson via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) looks on during an NFL football preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Seahawks defeated the Chargers 23-15. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
FILE - In this Dec. 2, 2018, file photo, Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh. Okung took part in his first practice since June 1, 2019, when he suffered a pulmonary embolism during an offseason workout at the team facility. He is being treated for blood clots and has been on the non-football injury list. (AP Photo/Don Wright, File)
Los Angeles Chargers tackle Russell Okung (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Chicago. The Chargers defeated the Bears, 17-16. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith (91) runs around the edge as Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) blocks during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Carson, Calif. Los Angeles won 26-11. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith (55) runs around the edge as Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) blocks during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Carson, Calif. Los Angeles won 26-11. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. Oakland won 26-24. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) shakes hands with a child on the field after the coin toss before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) works against Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Calais Campbell (93) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) looks on from the sideline bench during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Chargers defeated the Packers 26-11. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Chargers defeated the Packers 26-11. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (25) celebrates a touchdown with offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) during the first half of an NFL football against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Chargers won 45-10.(Perry Knotts via AP)
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung gets set for a play in action against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 in Denver. The Broncos won the game 24-6. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) looks up from the field during a NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, December 20, 2015 in Seattle. The Seahawks won the game 30-13. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Seattle Seahawks' Russell Okung answers a question at a news conference for NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, in Phoenix. The Seahawks play the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Denver Broncos offensive lineman Russell Okung (73) blocks during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Denver, Co. The Broncos won the game, 34-20. (Greg Trott via AP)
Denver Broncos tackle Russell Okung (73) watches play against the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL football game Dec.4, 2016 in Jacksonville, Fla. Denver won 20 - 10. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung sets up to block in action against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 in Carson, Calif. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 21-0. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2015, file photo, Seattle Seahawks' Russell Okung speaks to the media during the NFL Super Bowl Media Day in Phoenix. Okung is often asked to go at it alone as a left tackle, so it should be no surprise that when it comes to negotiating his next contract he's doing it without an agent. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan, File)
Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014 in Seattle. The Cowboys won, 30-23. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) looks up from the field during a NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, December 20, 2015 in Seattle. The Seahawks won the game 30-13. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) is seen in action during an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, December 28, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. Seattle won 20-6. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
FILE - In this Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 file photo, Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL wild-card football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis. John Elway bolstered both his offensive line and his already strong reputation as one of the NFL's best general managers Thursday, March 17, 2016 by luring former Seattle Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung to the Denver Broncos.(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)
Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) lines up in a two-point stance during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at CenturyLink Field on October 18, 2015. The Panthers defeated the Seahawks 27-23. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
