Mario Addison has already signed one extension to stay in Carolina, and the Panthers are interested in retaining him on another one. However, the defensive end would like to see what’s out there.
The 32-year-old edge defender wants to test free agency, according to David Newton of ESPN.com, who adds the Panthers have shown interest in bringing Addison back. Addison has played with the Panthers since the 2012 season.
In 2017, Addison opted to re-sign with the Panthers before free agency began. He inked a three-year, $22.5MM extension with the then-Dave Gettleman-run franchise. That quickly became a bargain deal for the Panthers, who saw Addison post 29.5 sacks over the course of that contract.
Addison’s 39 sacks over the past four years rank 11th in the league; his $7.5MM-per-year contract ranked 31st among edge defenders. Despite the team-friendly contract, Addison did not hold out during his most recent Carolina pact. But it appears he will see how he stacks up on this latest edge defender market, which, per usual, will see several marquee pass rushers removed from consideration via franchise tag.
Carolina has lost multiple cornerstone players this offseason, cutting Greg Olsen after Luke Kuechly‘s retirement. The Panthers did not pick up Dontari Poe‘s option, and Cam Newton‘s status is not yet certain. James Bradberry is also likely to depart in free agency. This would signal a rebuild is brewing in Carolina, with Matt Rhule receiving a six-year contract. But the team at least will explore retaining Addison.
A UDFA out of Troy, Addison is now the team’s longest-tenured defender and would stay on as 2019 first-rounder Brian Burns‘ edge counterpart if retained. Addison’s 55 sacks as a Panther rank fourth in franchise history, a half-sack behind Mike Rucker for third.
Bills have been signing a lot of ex panthers, with their front office connections. If he can be had for $10-$11 mill AAV, it might be interesting.