According to Adam Schefter at ESPN, Panthers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy needs 1.5 sacks against the Saints today to reach 6.5 for the season. That would earn McCoy an incentive of $500,000.
It’s been a bad year for Carolina’s defense. The loss of Kawann Short to a shoulder injury after just two games was devastating, as expected. The Panthers have given up more rushing touchdowns this year than any other team and rank last in run defense DVOA.
One guy who hasn’t disappointed is McCoy, who has been their best defender this year, if not their most consistent. Heading into Week 17, he’s posted 34 combined tackles and 13 quarterback hits to go with those aforementioned five sacks.
McCoy is going to turn 32 years old in a couple of months, but the Panthers should consider re-signing him. Dontari Poe will likely be a cap casualty and Vernon Butler’s future is very much up in the air. Retaining McCoy would give the interior defensive line some much-needed stability going into a year when everything could change.
