The Carolina Panthers decided to move on from veteran defensive end Charles Johnson last week, as they released him this past Thursday. The free agent defensive end turns 30 years old this upcoming July, but he is still a force in the league and is expected to garner plenty of interest on the open market.
The former Panthers defensive end only recorded one sack in nine games during the regular season, but he was a big part of Carolina's success last season and recorded nine tackles and three sacks while forcing two fumbles in the playoffs for the Panthers.
Johnson already has two teams drawing interest this offseason, as he is reportedly scheduled to visit the New York Giants and then the Tampa Buccaneers. Both teams are looking to pick up pass rushers this offseason, and it wouldn't be a surprise if either franchise made a strong push to sign the talented defensive lineman.
The Giants are expected to be in the market for pass rushers this offseason and currently have the third most cap space in the league, allowing general manager Jerry Reese to make some significant moves in free agency. Both New York's two starting defensive ends, Jason Pierre-Paul and Robert Ayers, are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents this upcoming week, and it's unknown how much of a push the Giants front office will make to retain either of them.
The Giants pass rush was non-existent last season, as they finished 30th in the league with only 23 total team sacks. New York gave up the most yards of any team during the 2015 season and couldn't create any pressure on opposing quarterbacks, allowing them to pick apart their defense. While the Giants are clearly looking to improve their pass rush this offseason, the Buccaneers are trying to do the same thing.
Tampa Bay recorded 38 total teams sacks, tied for 14th in the league, but is looking to improve its pass rush, especially in a division with three talented quarterbacks with the Panthers' Cam Newton, the Saints' Drew Brees and the Falcons' Matt Ryan. Tampa Bay linebacker Kwon Alexander was a force in his rookie season in the league, but he knows that their defense still needs improvements and wants his team to add pass rushers this offseason.
Johnson could make a strong fit on either defensive line in 2016 and is reportedly believed to want to stay on the east coast to stay close with his family. The veteran pass rusher clearly knows the NFC South division well, as he has spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career in Carolina. The former third round pick could fit with either the Giants or the Buccaneers next season, and it will likely come down to what each franchise is willing to offer, as they both know that he can be an impact player but won't want to overpay.
