NFL Free Agency: 5 teams that should sign Jason Pierre-Paul

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers steamrolled through the regular season in 2015, finishing with a 15-1 record. After a dominant showing during its first two playoff games, Carolina was handed a 24-10 defeat by the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.

While the Panthers did not cap off a brilliant 2015 campaign by fulfilling their Super Bowl aspirations, they are widely regarded as an early favorite to do so next season. And it is not just reigning NFL MVP Cam Newton that is driving this optimism. A large factor is a defense that has been downright dominant.

The biggest name on the Carolina defense is easily cornerback Josh Norman, who is making a strong case to be considered as one of — if not the best — defensive backs in the league. But just as important as Norman’s prowess in the secondary was a well-rounded front seven that recorded 44 sacks in 2015.

The Panthers are looking to negotiate a pay-cut with 29-year old defensive end Charles Johnson and 12-year veteran Jared Allen recently retired, creating a need for pass-rushing depth at defensive end that Pierre-Paul would help fill.

This opportunity to join an established defense would bode well for the two-time Pro Bowler, who could potentially sign a one-year contract in hopes of securing the lucrative, longterm deal he was almost sure to receive before his accident.