5 free agents the Panthers missed out on in 2020
By Dean Jones
Robert Quinn – DE
With the Dallas Cowboys last season, defensive end Robert Quinn looked more like his old self and he could be a hot commodity on the free-agent market this year.
After a disappointing tenure with the Miami Dolphins, Quinn recorded 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in Dallas last season. This propelled him back among the NFL’s pass-rushers, which resulted in a huge cash windfall.
The player penned a five-year, $70 million contract with the Chicago Bears. This included a $3 million signing bonus and $30 million guaranteed.
Quinn’s surge in play during a contract year is not uncommon. Players who are fighting for an extension or more money tend to show out a little bit more in order to secure financial security going forward.
A high-profile first-round pick by the St. Louis Rams in 2011, Quinn has accumulated 80.5 sacks in nine seasons. Quinn would have provided the Carolina Panthers with some veteran leadership on defense following the retirement of legendary linebacker Luke Kuechly.
Given the amount of dead cap money the Panthers are dealing with, Quinn might have been a little out of their price range. They will undoubtedly address their defensive line early in the upcoming NFL Draft, which is need of substantial reinforcements.