Panthers, NC native Shy Tuttle agree to multiyear deal in free agency
The Carolina Panthers have beefed up their defensive front.
The Panthers agreed to terms with former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shyheim “Shy” Tuttle on Monday, a league source confirmed to The Observer. The agreement was made during the NFL’s “legal tampering period,” a negotiating window that precedes the 4 p.m. Wednesday official start to free agency.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the deal is for three years and $19.5 million. The contract includes $13 million in guaranteed money, according to Schefter. A deal can’t become official until Wednesday at 4 p.m. when the new league year begins.
Tuttle, who was born in Midway, will get a big payday and a homecoming all wrapped in one. Tuttle went to North Davidson High School before playing college football at Tennessee.
The 27-year-old lineman went undrafted in 2019 and signed with the Saints. Tuttle spent four seasons in New Orleans, producing 143 tackles and four sacks.
Tuttle, listed as 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, fills a major hole up front within the Panthers’ defense, as the unit switches to a 3-4 base scheme. Tuttle is considered a versatile run defender.
With Matthew Ioannidis likely to leave in free agency, and Carolina switching up its scheme under new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, the Panthers were projected to have a fresh set of linemen around former first-round pick Derrick Brown this year.
Tuttle and Brown will pair up in the trenches. Tuttle can start at multiple spots along the defensive line, including nose tackle.
With defensive line being addressed, the Panthers still have some heavy lifting to do in free agency.
Center Bradley Bozeman, running back D’Onta Foreman and several other incumbent free agents remain unsigned. There are also needs at wide receiver, tight end and linebacker to consider.
This story was originally published March 13, 2023 at 2:19 PM.
