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Carolina Panthers: 5 Best Moves So Far in 2016

By John Woodcock

Feb 5, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; General view of Carolina Panthers helmet and NFL Super Bowl 50 logo helmet at the Golden Gate bridge. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; General view of Carolina Panthers helmet and NFL Super Bowl 50 logo helmet at the Golden Gate bridge. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Paul Soliai (96) stretches on the field prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Paul Soliai (96) stretches on the field prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

2: Signing Paul Soliai

Which brings us to Soliai. The Panthers have two really good defensive tackles in Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei. Once they cut Dwan Edwards, they did not have anybody else in the position chart under contract. Since Gettleman knows you can’t win without good defensive tackles, he brought in the former Pro Bowler Soliai at a relative discount.

Soliai is a space eater. He is not designed to get a lot of sacks, but he is designed to prevent offensive linemen from teaming up on the defensive ends. He is over 330 lbs, and he larger than most Panthers offensive lineman.

Like the defensive ends, the Panthers like to platoon the defensive tackles. The acquisition of Soliai still means that the Panthers are about one short at the position. That could be something they look at in the draft or try to find another bargain deal. Given their recent success they may find people willing to come play for relatively less.

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