The Carolina Panthers‘ top-flight defense added a tantalizing new contributor in five-time Pro Bowler Jared Allen after executing a trade with the Chicago Bears on Monday.
The Panthers confirmed that the deal was done, pending a physical. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported that the Bears are receiving a sixth-round pick in return and explained the Panthers’ rationale for bringing Allen aboard:
Panthers were looking for a pass rusher and Jared Allen didn't fit 3-4 of bears so they've traded him for pick
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) September 28, 2015
After the announcement, Bears general manager Ryan Pace issued a statement: “We had some depth at the linebacker position and were able to reach an agreement with the Panthers. Whether it is acquiring additional picks or signing players, we will continue to be aggressive in finding ways to improve. We appreciate Jared’s contributions and wish him the best in Carolina.”
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune alluded to the relatively low risk Carolina is taking on in the deal:
#Bears paid Jared Allen an $11.5M roster bonus already this year. His base salary is only $1M. So not lot of money for #Panthers to take on.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) September 28, 2015
Allen was indeed a square peg trying to fit into a round hole in the Windy City. New Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio runs a strict 3-4 scheme, whereas Allen has always thrived as a 4-3 defensive end.
In his first year as a Bear in 2014, Allen’s streak of double-digit-sack seasons ended at seven when he registered only 5.5. Although Allen does have an interception this season, he didn’t register a sack during Chicago’s 0-3 start.
“We lose a leader, a leader out of the locker room, a great guy,” Bears linebacker Pernell McPhee said after news of the deal broke.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter alluded to the circumstances that sprung Carolina into action:
Panthers lost DE Charles Johnson to a hamstring injury. Now gain a new pass rusher in Jared Allen.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 28, 2015
Panthers head coach Ron Rivera spoke about Charles Johnson’s injury situation Monday, revealing he’s already been ruled out for Week 4, via Panthers.com’s Bryan Strickland:
We’ll see how it is after this week is over and how he is during the bye week with treatments and when he starts working out. We’ll see how long it will be, but he’ll most certainly be out this week for sure. Hopefully he’ll get an opportunity to have it calm down a lot and get his strength back, and we’ll see how he is out of the bye week.
The undefeated Panthers are a better fit for Allen on paper and provide him the chance to play for a contender. Carolina also has elite linebackers in Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis who will be behind Allen on the front seven to free him up.
Source: Bleacher Report