The Carolina Panthers are in the midst of reconstruction, even if they are not ready for one of their former players to leave Charlotte. According to David Newton of ESPN, the edge rusher Mario Addison should test the free agent market despite the Panthers’ interest in renewing it.
Since becoming a regular Panthers starter, Addison has thrived, recording 39 sacks in the past four seasons. He suffered only 30 pressures last season, but finished with 9.5 sacks in 15 games. Addison also had 34 tackles, 14 hits and two forced fumbles, with a single tackle missed this season. In 2018, Addison finished with 29 presses, nine sacks, 35 tackles, 12 hits and two forced fumbles, showing consistency at all levels like an edge accelerator in the early 30s.
Troy’s undrafted free agent Addison rebounded in the league for his first two seasons before signing with the Washington Redskins Training Team Panthers. He has 55 sacks and 11 forced escapees in nine seasons. The 39 bags of Addison’s in the past four seasons are the 11th in the NFL, despite the fact that he has only 56 hits. It is the most among the 2020 class free agent rushers.
Although Addison is not considered among the best free agent rushers, his production speaks for itself. Addison turns 33 in September, so age certainly plays a role in his market. He is certainly capable of starting and playing extended snaps, but also has great value as a rusher on a rotating board.
Addison has more than nine bags in each of the past four seasons and 29.5 bags since the age of 30. His market may not be in the first wave of free agency, but Addison may be one of the valuable signatures of this period of free agency. And it seems he still has a house in Carolina if he doesn’t get the offer he’s looking for.