Former #Raiders LB Tahir Whitehead is signing with the #Panthers on a 1-year deal, source said. A solid signing late In free agency.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2020
According to a report by Ian Rapoport at NFL Network, the Panthers are signing former Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead to a one-year deal.
Whitehead was originally a fifth-round pick by the Lions in the 2012 NFL draft. He put in six years with Detroit, followed by two with the Raiders. All together, he’s played in 125 career regular season games, totaling 463 solo tackles (38 for a loss), five interceptions, 24 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, three sacks and 12 quarterback hits.
Shaq Thompson might seem like the heir apparent. However, Whitehead might be the best candidate to be Carolina’s defensive play-caller in 2020, inheriting the role from Luke Kuechly, who is now retired. His previous experience working with Matt Rhule at Temple would certainly help.
Obviously, replacing a future Hall of Fame talent like Kuechly is impossible. However, this is a pretty solid stop-gap measure to help with the transition.
Signing Whitehead (29 years old) doesn’t necessarily mean the Panthers will pass on a linebacker in the draft. Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons is by far the best fit for them in this class.
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