The Carolina Panthers need to add pass rushing help this offseason, and they've started their search with a local guy.
According to NFL Media's Rand Getlin and ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Panthers on Tuesday are kicking the tires on defensive lineman Quinton Coples.
Here's what you need to know about him:
Carolinas Connection
A Kinston, N.C. native, Coples racked up 17.5 sacks in his final two seasons at UNC.
Looking for help on defense, the Panthers met with Coples twice ahead of the 2012 draft. They ended up taking some linebacker named Luke Kuechly with the 9th overall pick. Coples went to the Jets at No. 16.
A Disappointment ... So Far
Coples started just two games as a rookie, but still managed 5.5 sacks. The next season, he was moved to outside linebacker in the Jets' 3-4 defense. He totaled 11 sacks from 2013-2014 and then essentially disappeared.
In nine games last year, Coples had eight tackles and no sacks before the Jets released him. He was picked up off waivers by Miami, where he didn't record a tackle in six games.
Coples as Caulk
As is his annual plan, Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman will fill holes with free agents ahead of the draft.
The Panthers need pass rushers. So signing Coples would allow Gettleman to check that box. And, no, that doesn't mean he'd be the only guy added. Carolina could look at other free agents and this draft is deepest on the defensive line.
Low Risk
Even if Coples signs with the Panthers, there's no guarantee he'd make the roster. If he did, it'd be a low-cost move that also wouldn't count against potential comp picks in 2017.
Gettleman did the same last year with offensive lineman Michael Oher and receiver Ted Ginn, who were both street free agents. At the time, the Panthers still thought they could get something from losing defensive end Greg Hardy, but that process didn't play out the way they hoped.
Negotiating Chip
The Panthers want defensive end Charles Johnson to remain on the roster, but only if he takes a significant pay cut. Their cold comments at the combine about a guy who was a captain the past two seasons is part of the negotiating process. So is, perhaps, signing some insurance.
I question if CJ has anything left in the tank at this point. He’s definitely not worth the current asking price. I like Coples as someone to look at
Definitely worth seeing if a guy who failed in a 3-4 can return to his roots as a 4-3 end and produce. If so, this could be the classic sort of Gettleman pickup that looks iffy in March and outstanding in December.