2019 Offseason moves that reveal direction of the Carolina Panthers
By Jake Wexler
Key Additions:
Free Agency:
C Matt Paradis
As discussed, the loss of Ryan Kalil put Carolina in a position they haven’t faced in a long time: a need at center. Marty Hurney didn’t waste too much time filling the gap, though.
Former Broncos center Matt Paradis was rumored to be signing with the Jets shortly before the announcement that the Panthers had locked him down on a three year deal. Regarded as the best center on the open market, Marty Hurney got a steal at a $9M APY cap hit. There were some injury concerns which seems to have drove his price down, but these have been squashed since the signing. This move took a lot of pressure off the front office to find a center in the draft.
OLB Bruce Irvin
There had been rumbles in the early offseason of a potential schematic shift from the Panthers base 4-3 zone coverage defense, but nothing definitive or telling to go off of other than hearsay. When Carolina announced the signing of linebacker Bruce Irvin, we were given our first indication that this shift could be more than just a rumor. Although Irvin’s productivity has seen a steady drop-off over the past three years, he provides a veteran presence at a position of need and will help to transition young players into the 3-4 looks that should be implemented come September.