The Carolina Panthers just got better courtesy of a Windy City windfall. Jared Allen, a 6’6″ pass rush specialist, is now a Panther. Chicago gets a late-round Panthers pick in exchange for Allen — and the Bears remain on the hook for the majority of Allen’s $12-plus million salary. It’s a move that injured Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson was quick to applaud.
Nice move by the panthers!!!
— charles johnson (@randywattson) September 28, 2015
Panthers coach Ron Rivera is also pumped to have Allen. Why? “He rushes with violence,” Rivera said. (That characteristic may explain why 15% of NFL quarterbacks are sidelined this year.) At 33, Allen is a veteran who has been to five Pro Bowls, but who in Chicago looked like his best years might be behind him. Coach Rivera knows something more than violence about Allen; Rivera knows that 6’6″ coming at a passer never gets old.
