The team also traded Jon Bostic to the New England Patriots for another sixth-round pick.
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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 Bears have switched to a 3-4 defense and Allen doesn’t fit as a standup outside linebacker.
Allen had a career-low 5.5 sacks for the Bears in 2014.
NOTES: Nose tackle Jeremiah Ratliff can return this week to the lineup after a three-week suspension for a league substance abuse violation when he played with Dallas in 2013. “I’m not a standup outside ‘backer, but I told Foxie (coach John Fox) and Ryan (Pace, general manager) I would even put weight on if they wanted me to in order to play that 3-4 end”.
“We know who Jared Allen is, believe me, ” Smith said. Elvis Dumervil struggled at first to transition to the 3-4, but has since made it work. Usually a “good” deal is one where everyone leaves the table a teeny bit grumpy, feeling they could’ve done a little better. “When a guy like Brian reaches out to tell you something you most certainly do listen”. In the light of knowing this season won’t consist of much success, the Bears made a decision to pull the trigger in trading away defensive end Jared Allen to the Carolina Panthers (per Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer).
Rivera said there has been no major change in Kuechly’s condition and he’s not concerned Kuechly’s concussion might end his season.
The Panthers are thin at defensive end.
The Bears paid Allen an $11.5 million roster bonus this year; his base salary was $1 million.
Tampa Bay coach Lovie Smith joked on a conference call Wednesday that “yes, we’ve heard the news” about Allen’s arrival and the team is adjusting its game plan accordingly. Young was officially inactive for Sunday’s game, but displayed more pass-rush ability at linebacker as his injured Achilles began to heal.
“That’s what he does”, Rivera said of Allen.
When Allen arrived at Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday, he ran into a guy who always had trouble keeping weight on during his playing days.
“It worked out good for both sides”. He’s got counter moves. “We can use him in a variety of ways”.
Veteran receiver Jerricho Cotchery (ankle) was not at practice as he continues to look toward a return after the bye in Week 5.
Rivera said the Panthers are awaiting the results of an MRI exam on Johnson’s hamstring. While Allen hasn’t recorded a sack yet this season, he did grab an interception in week two.
Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott’s scheme is predicated on getting a consistent pass rush from the front four. Rookie linebacker Shaq Thompson had the lone sack against the Saints.
The trade for the NFL’s active sack leader spiced up a rainy Monday night at Bank of America Stadium.
But they were without edge rusher Greg Hardy for the final 15 games of 2014 after he went on the commissioner’s exempt list after a misdemeanor domestic violence arrest in Charlotte. This is after a season in which the 35-year old player saw a drop in his overall productivity.
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Allen can help fill the void for Johnson if he is forced to miss substantial time this year. “It allowed me to go back to my normal position”.
