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The Carolina Panthers have, at last count, at least 20 defensive tackles under contract. They have massive holes at safety and defensive end—I’m aware I’m not in a position to be poking too much fun at the latter, but I will continue—and multiple big money homegrown players and free agents, including Dontari Poe. After an offseason where they shored up their offensive line quite effectively but did neglect other positions, Carolina is...looking to add another defensive tackle.
Of course, it’s hard to blame them for wanting to add Gerald McCoy, who has been ripping holes in their offensive line for years.
Free agent DT Gerald McCoy is visiting the #Panthers, beginning tomorrow night, source said. That will go into Friday, then he’ll presumably make a decision. It did sound like his visit to the #Ravens was excellent. So it’s #Ravens, #Browns or #Panthers.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 29, 2019
The addition of McCoy would undeniably be a plus for the Panthers, who are heading into the year in need of more impact defenders. But it would also be a curious use of limited cap space because the Panthers have, as I already mentioned, built out a rotation that could go six deep with at least decent players at defensive tackle, with a top three or four that could be great. But of course Poe hasn’t been quite the player they wanted him to be, Vernon Butler has been inconsistent, and Kawaan Short is coming off a quieter year, so that need is still pronounced, especially with the switch to a 3-4 coming.
They’ll find playing time for McCoy and the rest of these guys just fine, and that group will be a real test for the Falcons’ new look interior offensive line should this signing come to pass.
Let’s hope it doesn’t happen.