Star Lotulelei rumors: 3 best fits
Looking for a “star” performer to help your team? There’s a highly-reliable defensive tackle ready to hit the NFL’s open market.
The Carolina Panthers are coming off an 11-5 season and a playoff berth. Now if they can only find a way to defeat the New Orleans Saints, who they dropped a total of three games to in 2017.
It’s already been an offseason of change. Running back Jonathan Stewart, defensive end Charles Johnson and free safety Kurt Coleman have been released. On Friday, it was reported (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter) that cornerback Daryl Worley is being dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver Torrey Smith.
The franchise also has to decide what to do about five-year defensive tackle Star Lotulelei. So where does the 2013 first-round selection fit best when it comes to the rest of the league? Or could he wind up back in Carolina? If not, here are three possible destinations.
Best Fits
1. Buffalo Bills
In each of the past two seasons, the Bills have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards in the league. This past year, Sean McDermott’s unit got off to a great start but things fell apart in late October. And it seemingly coincided with the decision to trade Marcell Dareus to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Of course, Lotulelei is more than familiar with McDermott’s system.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After looking like it was making some strides in 2016, the Bucs finished dead last in the NFL in both total and pass defense. Meanwhile, Mike Smith’s disappointing unit also produced an NFL-low 22 sacks. Last offseason, the team signed defensive tackle Chris Baker to team with perennial Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy inside and the former was just cut loose after one year of a three-year deal. Knowing the NFC South works to Lotulelei’s advantage as well.
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3. Miami Dolphins
Are the ‘Fins really preparing to part ways with Ndamukong Suh? Earlier this week, ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported that it was certainly a possibility. Three-year pro Jordan Phillips was a better player than in his first two seasons and the Dolphins did use a pair of 2017 draft choices on defensive tackles. But the addition of the steady Lotulelei could be a win-win for a Miami defense that slumped after a strong start.