Carolina Panthers Sign Defensive Lineman Shy Tuttle

The Carolina Panthers are swiping a defensive tackle from a division rival. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Panthers have signed former New Orleans Saints standout Shy Tuttle to a three-year, $19.5 million deal.

DT Shy Tuttle agree to terms with the Carolina Panthers on a 3-year, $19.5M deal including $13M guaranteed. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/E8qGqZrZAA
— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2023

Tuttle started 14 games for the Saints last season, totalling a career-high 49 tackles. He regressed slightly in an increased role in 2022: he played 558 defensive snaps, the most of his career, but earned only a 60.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. He averaged 70.0 or better in each of his previous three seasons.

Tuttle's play in 2022 implies that he may be best suited to a rotational role on the interior of a defensive line. He may not be up to the burden of being an every-down starter.

The Panthers have had plenty of opportunities to observe Tuttle closely, having played the Saints twice a year since he came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Keeping him away from their division rival is a nice added bonus for the Panthers.