4 offseason moves hurting the Panthers through Week 6
By Dean Jones
Not extending Mario Addison
The Carolina Panthers were never going to be in a position to give Mario Addison the sort of financial commitment he got from the Buffalo Bills. But that doesn’t mean the defensive lineman’s loss at this juncture isn’t being felt substantially.
Addison has made a strong start to life with the Bills, securing three sacks, five quarterbacks, and four tackles for loss through six games despite starting just once. Generating pressure is something that the Panthers have failed to accumulate consistently this season and their clear deficiencies in running situations have been there for all to see.
Stephen Weatherly has yet to record a sack following his free-agent arrival from the Minnesota Vikings, with second-rounder Yetur Gross-Matos currently on the reserve/injured list after showing signs of promise following some early struggles.
This has left depth across the defensive front at a threadbare level, especially when one considers that the Panthers are going to be without Pro Bowler Kawann Short for the rest of the season.
Addison took the money in Buffalo, which also gave him a better chance of postseason success. He has thrived in a rotational role and this is something that could undoubtedly help Carolina’s young group.