Carolina lures big time pass rusher from Philly
By "Bucky Katz"

Off-Season 2114 (Charlotte) - The Panthers defense just got Icky.

Many fans in Charlotte said that last year as the prolific offense was often stymied by how many points the new 4-6 defense was giving up.

Not anymore. Not only is new defensive coordinator Chris Taylor installing the 4-3 that he learned well during his time as a star Panther linebacker, he now gets an extra piece for the defensive puzzle.

The Panthers signed former Eagles DT Icky Whalen to a six year deal at $17.5 million per season last night. For a team that gave up more sacks than they got last season, it was a welcome boost.

'We expect Icky will be Whalen on offensive lines across the league this season,' Carolina GM 'Trader' Lee Remley joked at the press conference announcing the deal.

'Seriously, we needed an upgrade on defense and we think Icky is the man to help us there,' Remley continued.

Some people were surprised the Panthers signed anyone at all with the lack of trading activity this offseason, while others were surprised they didn't add more with money left under the cap and some significant dollars expected to come off the books next offseason.

'We look at keeping our own first,' Remley said when questioned about that.

No one was more surprised than the Panthers GM that possibly the best cornerback tandem and one of the better wide receivers in the league all went unbid on in free agency.

'We're happy it worked out well for everyone involved,' the Panthers said in an official statement.