Carolina Panthers: Five Moves to Turn Around 2014 Season

Acquire DE Justin Tuck from Oakland Raiders

Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Tuck would bring a veteran presence opposite Charles Johnson.  GM Dave Gettleman is very familiar with Tuck from his days with the Giants, and would help improve the run defense.

Tuck is no spring chicken, at 31-years old.  However, the ex-Notre Dame standout does provide the Panthers’ a secondary weapon in the trenches.  Carolina has rookie Kony Ealy waiting in the wings to take over, but the Panthers need something more in 2014.  Tuck’s contract is a reasonable $5M-per, and runs through the end of 2015.  The investment is minimal and it would allow Ealy time to learn from another veteran DE.

I don’t know what Carolina would have to send to Oakland to make this deal happen, but I’m thinking that the 0-6 Raiders would look to sell off assets on a down season.

The defensive interior would also benefit from adding a player like Justin Tuck.  Carolina’s defensive line played so much better with two defensive ends capable of dominating.  Though Tuck isn’t a 25-year old Greg Hardy, he is a player that can still stop the run, and help pressure the quarterback.