Some NFL players are deciding to opt-out of the 2020 season due to the risks of the pandemic. As of yet, there have been no reports of any Carolina Panthers players who have chosen to do so. The Carolina North affiliate has one, though.
Former Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, now with the Buffalo Bills, has decided to opt-out, according to a report by ESPN.
Lotulelei signed a five-year deal with Buffalo after playing the first five seasons of his career in Carolina. He appeared in 76 regular season games in a Panthers uniform, totaling 11.5 sacks, 24 quarterback hits and 28 tackles for a loss during that time.
While depth doesn’t hurt at any position, Lotulelei’s absence probably won’t sting his team’s defense all that much. Even without him, they have a loaded defensive line that also added Mario Addison in free agency. Addison signed a three-year, $18.5 million deal with the Bills in March.
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