In a move that could significantly bolster their defense, the Carolina Panthers acquired Chicago Bears pass-rusher Jared Allen for a conditional 6th-round draft pick. The Bears will pick up most of Allen’s contract, paying $11.5 million while the Panthers will pick up $823,000.
Carolina Panthers acquire Jared Allen from Chicago Bears
Speaking of the trade, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said: “Allen is a pass rushing specialist. He rushes with violence”.
Rivera also said the team wanted to jump at the chance to acquire the 5-time Pro Bowler. “We didn’t want to wait when we found the opportunity”.
Speaking of Allen’s departure, Bears general manager Ryan Pace remarked: “We had some depth at the linebacker position and were able to reach an agreement with the Panthers to bring a 2016 draft pick to our team in exchange for Jared Allen. Whether it is acquiring additional picks or signing players, we will continue to be aggressive in finding ways to improve our football team. We appreciate Jared’s contributions and wish him the best in Carolina.”
Allen, 33 has led the NFL in sacks (134), fumble recoveries (19) and disrupted dropbacks (161) since he entered the league in 2004. He made the move from his natural outside linebacker position to defensive end to adjust to the Bears new 3-4 defensive scheme.
His arrival comes just in time with the Panthers hurting on defense as linebacker Luke Kuechly is returning to practice after suffering a concussion in Week one and defensive end Charles Johnson is listed as out for this week’s game at Tampa Bay with a severe hamstring injury suffered in the Bears loss to Seattle on Sunday.
Allen spent most of his career with the Minnesota Vikings before signing as a free agent with the Bears prior to the 2014 season. The Panthers will be his third NFL team. He goes from the 0-3 Bears to the 3-0 Panthers.
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