The Carolina Panthers have a need for pass rushers and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Vinny Curry could be a formidable option. Tampa released the defensive end on Tuesday after spending one year with the team. He signed a three-year, $23 million contract with the Buccaneers last spring, but a switch to a 3-4 defense along with his lack of production with only 2.5 sacks likely led to him getting cut.
Curry spent his first six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and had some decent years rushing the passer. He has accumulated 24.5 sacks in his career and would provide a veteran presence for the Panthers.
The Buccaneers are changing their scheme under their new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and it doesn’t leave much room for Curry. He also dealt with a nagging ankle injury that only allowed him to play 12 games last season.
This season should be a recovery season for a player that had a solid year in 2017, and would likely come at a cheap price. Curry is 30-years-old and doesn’t have much more time in the NFL, so the Panthers could sign him to an affordable short-term contract. Carolina was ranked No. 27 in sacks last season and they just lost one of their legends, Julius Peppers.
With the defensive end position slimming on the depth chart, Curry could be a solid and cheap investment to give the defense a boost.
