Veteran defensive tackle Chris Canty has been reportedly cut by the New York Giants today in a move that sees Dave Gettleman's previous employer look to get younger, and free up some cap space. The Carolina Panthers have no money to work in free agency, but with some veteran cuts there's a good chance the Panthers could have significant interest.
Arriving in New York in 2009, Chris Canty was right in the wheelhouse of Dave Gettleman's run as director of pro personnel. While he wouldn't have made the signing unilaterally, he definitely would have played a role in advising Jerry Reese about the free agent class -- and would have been vital in making the decision to bring Canty to the Giants.
In his four years in New York, Canty amassed 124 tackles and 9.0 sacks -- while helping to anchor the best line in football. A dangerous trap is to compare game logs and assume incumbent veteran Dwan Edwards is a better option, but the reality is that Canty is better at holding the point of attack -- something Carolina struggled with. An article from the New York Times gives ample praise to the Giants' interior linemen, as a huge reason why the defensive ends had so much success.
The Panthers aren't able to negotiate with any potential free agents until March, but that gives them time to clear some space, should they be interested in Canty. With Gettleman's history this is wholly likely, the question is: Can they find the money to do it?