Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney went to work this offseason in an effort to revamp the defensive front. Coach Ron Rivera announced a scheme shift to a 3-4 in 2019 as he assumes defensive play calling responsibilities and Hurney immediately answered with hybrid type defenders who could bring pressure off the edge.
With a solid lineup already, having signed veteran Bruce Irvin and drafting Florida State standout Brian Burns, the Panthers secured another key piece to their defense just prior to minicamp in June. Six-time Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy joined Carolina on a one-year deal, joining Kawann Short and Dontari Poe up front to bolster the Panthers defensive unit.