Carolina Panthers target defensive lineman Allen Bailey
Carolina Panthers continue to target lineman during free agent signing period.
Even without the decision from Carolina Panthers veterans Ryan Kalil and Julius Peppers to retire, it is likely general manager Marty Hurney would have attempted to reconstruct both the offensive and defensive lines this offseason. An inability to protect quarterback Cam Newton and significant decrease in pressure production hinted at the need for new options along both units.
Retirement news cast a spot light on the issues and Hurney has been hard at work to address these positions. Already, the Panthers have signed former Denver Broncos center, Matt Paradis, and added defensive lineman, Bruce Irvin – both moves that many analyst view as immediate improvements.
Always looking to add depth and competition up front on both sides of the football, each group could see additional players added via the NFL Draft next month and news the Panthers continue to target potential free agents is increasing. Allen Bailey, defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs is reportedly drawing interest from Carolina, in addition to a few other teams.
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Bailey is a former third-round draft pick of the Chiefs in 2011, working his way into a starting role and playing his entire career with them up until this point. They remain in contention for potentially re-signing him but both New England and the Panthers are interested in his services as well.
In eight seasons, Bailey has amassed 207 tackles and nearly 20 sacks. He has 34 tackles for a loss and seven fumble recoveries, including four just last season. As the Panthers transition to more 3-4 fronts next year, he could see time at the defensive end position in a scheme with which he has familiarity.
Defensive end is expected to be the position Carolina targets with their first-round pick. Landing Bailey may shift their focus, but competing against the Chiefs and Patriots, it feels as if the Panthers are currently in third place behind the only team he’s ever known and defending Super Bowl champions.
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A decision is expected soon, so stay tuned to see where Bailey lands this offseason.