The Panthers are trading defensive end Kony Ealy and a third-round pick (No. 72) to the Patriots in exchange for New England’s second-round pick (No. 64), reports ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
Ealy had played his entire three-year career with the Panthers since being selected in the second-round of the 2014 draft. The 25-year-old has only missed one regular season game during his career, and he’s started a combined 15 games over the past two years. The defensive end has compiled exactly 32 tackles and five sacks in each of the past two seasons, and he’s added another five forced fumbles during that time.
The Patriots could certainly use some help at defensive end as they search for a player to play opposite Trey Flowers. Ealy would presumably slide into the starting lineup over Geneo Grissom, or Rob Ninkovich could theoretically return to the position. New England could also bring back free agent Jabaal Sheard, but those slim chances have seemingly declined following this trade.
On the flip side, the Panthers have plenty of depth at the position after re-signing Charles Johnson. Mario Addison figures to start alongside Johnson, with Wes Horton, Ryan Delaire, and Larry Webster serving as backups.
Good deal for both sides.
Not really, the Pats only moved back 8 spots while getting a pretty good DE
Sorry. Very good deal for the Pats. Not great value for Carolina, but they have tons of DE’s so this doesn’t kill them.
Kony has been too inconsistent to believe the light will suddenly STAY lit, imo. Believe me, I’ve been hoping for it, but he was outplayed by Addison , even (arguably ) against the run by the end of the season. Horton has always been a steady run defender and is improving his passion rush. Wouldn’t be surprised if Gettleman picks a “blue goose “pass rusher, given his M.O. We’ll be fine if we can stay healthy. An improved Butler and Delaire also factor in, along with the return of J.Peppers.
×× PASS ×× rush. Stoopid auto correct
what the hell are the Panthers thinking? all that to move up 8 picks?
I’m pretty sure they were going to end up cutting Ealy with the way they’ve signed CJ, Peppers, and Addison, and they’ll devote at least one pick to a DE in the draft (possibly even at #8). So, this leaves basically just one roster spot for Ealy, DeLaire, and Horton (and maybe a second draft pick, plus practice squad members, and undrafted FAs). So, they were probably just looking to get SOMETHING before turning him loose. He’s been very disappointing in Carolina, and Eric Washington likely told DG that he’s gotten all he can out of Ealy
Preach brother
giving up all that to move up 8 picks? makes no sense from the Panthers side of things.
Exactly what I was thinking ^. Being a pats fan and living in the new england region this was a shocker.I defiantly didn’t see this coming nor did I see the gilmore signing either.good off season so far
That was mentioned towards connorsoxsfan.those comments weren’t there when I first started typing lol
Yeah I was being diplomatic. My immediate thought was HOLY SH*T WHAT IS CAROLINA DOING!! But I didn’t feel that was something I should post.
As long as they bring back Dont’a, I’ll be happy
And Butler, don’t want Cooks
They got cooks and didn’t give up Butler if we resign hightower we are going to be thought on both sides of the ball
Maybe B B and his staff can get more out of him than we could (He DOES have that rep!!) , but E Washington is (imo) a very good D-line coach.He may fit y’all’s scheme /talent better. But he’s going into a contract year,and hasn’t been taking over games, other than the Super Bowl, and Denver’s o-line wasn’t that great, and were probably focusing much more on KK Short. Honestly, i wish him well,except when we play him. If he blossoms for yall, well….. damn, that’ll kinda suck! but congrats
They gave up Ealy just to move up 8 spots in the middle of the draft? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!
Patriots easily won this deal, My god they are stacking up, We just need too sign Hightower now.
The Pats r getting stronger and deeper
The Panthers also signed Julius Peppers, so he can be added to the list at the end
If they get Hightower back and keep Butler I will be extremely happy. I could also see the Pats trading Dion Lewis to someone like the Colts for a 4th round pick and claim Karlos Williams off waivers to replace Blount as the power back and then they can draft Mcafree with the 32nd overall pick
i know you are probably misspelling on purpose because he is a white rb and you are racist, but its McCaffrey. M-C-C-A-F-F-R-E-Y
What?
you again? guess i do need to write it in crayon.
idiot #1 (crazysull) has constantly spelled christian mccaffrey as ‘mcafree’ or something similar. i responded and spelled it correctly. idiot #2 (you) came along and didnt understand what was going on once again.
I was talking about your comment on him being a racist. Misspelling a name doesn’t equate to racism last time I checked. God I love crazy commenters. Gotta find something to laugh about nowadays.
go look in a mirror if you want to laugh about something
why not call him a racist? the only person whose name he misspells is white. both black rbs he spelled correctly. if it was the opposite, people would be calling that racist. just doing what they do
“Kevin Garnet” “Jason Kidd” “Dayvid Ortiz” “Justin Timberlake” “Tom Brady” Jacky Bradley Jr. Am I a racist? No.
are you? probably.
and whats with you getting all defensive about me calling this other moron a racist? he your boyfriend or something?
Kony Ealy is in the last year of his contract.
2014, 2015, 2016- thus 2017 is the final deal of his rookie contract, unless 2nd round picks have 5th year options, which I do not believe they do.
Thus, Panthers are trading up 8 spots, in a loaded defensive draft, and giving up 1 year on a guy to get a guy earlier to have for 4 more years.
link to spotrac.com
and the Patriots will resign him at a hometown discount for continual opportunity for a ring.
Or, he leaves to get paid elsewhere- like bennett, ryan, collins, sheard did this off season.
Money > Rings for young players. Get as much as you can while you can.
He is 25- link to spotrac.com and next years FA market for DE isnt impressive.
Exactly right…. I think Gettleman has an eye on a blue goose end… (perhaps Tanoh Kpassagnon? He did mention him when asked about senior bowl talents he was impressed with.
Draft is loaded at DE. If you like a guy makes sense to load up early.