The Carolina Panthers signed linebacker Jason Trusnik to a one-year contract Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know about the newest Panther:
He’s Yet Another Addition for Special Teams
Trusnik joins Ted Ginn, Teddy Williams, Kurt Coleman, Jarrett Boykin and Jordan Todman as signings that should help improve the Panthers’ special teams. Trusnik, who was a special teams captain for the Dolphins last year, is one of those potential “aces” Dave Gettleman and Ron Rivera said they’d be looking for when this offseason began.“Jason is an experienced player who adds more competition to the linebacker position and has also been a special teams ace,” Rivera said in a statement. “I expect him to come in and be a leader. Even though he is new to us, he’s got veteran savvy to him.”The 30 year old has made 76 special teams tackles in his eight-year career.
He’ll Provide Depth at Linebacker
Trusnik started six games last year, mostly at middle linebacker, but he can also play outside. He’s played in 109 games making 25 starts and totaling 146 tackles, 3.5 sacks, four passes defensed, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.
He’s Come a Long Way
The Northeast Ohio native didn’t receive any offers to play Division I or II football. He wound up at Ohio Northern, a D3 school. Trusnik signed as an undrafted free agent with the Jets in 2007, and then followed the fired Eric Mangini to Cleveland. After two years with the Browns, Trusnik spent the past four seasons in Miami. He hasn’t missed a game since 2009.
I want to thank the @miamidolphins for the last 4 years. It is time to take my play to the @panthers . Thank you for this opportunity and looking forward to a great team and organization. #panthernation
A photo posted by Jason Trusnik (@jason_trusnik) on