It's not often that the Carolina Panthers make as high-profile of a free agent signing that they made on Monday.
It's also not often that a six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle hits the open market so late in the NFL offseason.
When defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on May 20, after nine seasons with them, Carolina saw the opportunity to add another proven lineman to their newly formed 3-4 defensive scheme.
“It was a grade A organization,” McCoy said. “This organization is known for its ability to be resilient. They’ve always had a history of finding a way to fight through and push through. I just wanted to be a part of that.”
“Every ounce of me feels that this team is a true contender,” McCoy said. “The NFC South champs is the New Orleans Saints. They have a great offense. In order to take them out, you have to have a great defense. Carolina is known to have a great defense. I want to add to that.”
Signing McCoy brings at least a hope that the Panthers interior defense could return to the elite form that led them to the Super Bowl in 2015.
“I’m going to just be me,” McCoy said. “I have a few tricks up my sleeve that now I can help another group with.”
The addition of one player doesn't always make a team an instant Super Bowl contender, especially a 31-year old like McCoy, who is coming off one of his worst statistical seasons.
The Panthers ranked 27th in the league last season with 35 sacks, their lowest since 2011, and allowed 416 yards rushing per game. Carolina had been in the top six in sacks the prior three seasons.
Short's three sacks were the most by an interior lineman last season for Carolina.
"Kawann has been dominant since he set foot in the league," McCoy said. "We can be one of the better tandems in the NFL."
Additionally, the Panthers are happy just to have McCoy on their side facing his former team twice this season.
With the Buccaneers giving away his No. 93 to newly signed tackle Ndamukong Suh and stating that they didn’t have the need for him anymore, possible revenge could be sweet.
“It’s great to have Gerald on our side now,” general manager Marty Hurney said. “We are very familiar with his skill set after facing him over the years and know that he not only brings a wealth of talent as a player but is also a tremendous person."
The signing alone still proves that the Panthers under new owner David Tepper, and Hurney back for a second stint, Carolina won't make conservative decisions.
“The fact that players were welcoming to me and I heard that the guys were pushing them ‘Go get this guy,’ that’s what you want to hear,” McCoy said. “The respect they have for you and I have the same respect for them, I’m excited to see what happens.”