Carolina Panthers: 5 best offseason moves in 2020

Best offseason moves for Carolina Panthers: Letting Gerald McCoy walk

The temptation might have been there for the Carolina Panthers to offer defensive tackle Gerald McCoy an extension. However, they made the right call letting him walk and should benefit them in the long run.

McCoy did manage to pick up five sacks for the Panthers in 2019. But it is clear he was past the peak of his powers. And his support in running downs left a lot to be desired.

The former third-overall pick has acquired a lot of mileage on the clock during his 11-year career. And it remains to be seen how he gets on in a different environment. McCoy eventually penned a three-year, $18.3 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys that included a $3 million signing bonus and $9 million guaranteed.

With the Panthers moving back to a 4-3 base defense in 2020. There is every chance McCoy might have fared a little better in this particular scenario. But the Panthers were right to move on from the player who offered very little as he heads into the twilight of his career.

This sort of move was something that became particularly consistent throughout the offseason. The Panthers gutted their roster from top to bottom. And this left players like McCoy on the outside looking in.

Only time will tell as to whether this strategy pays off. But the Panthers’ decision-makers deserve credit for their approach.