The Carolina Panthers started the second wave of free agency by reeling in a big one. Literally.
6-foot-4, 345-pound defensive tackle Paul Soliai has agreed to a two-year contract with the Panthers, according to his agent. The deal is worth $7 million, with $3 million guaranteed.
The Panthers brought Soliai in for a visit this weekend, and according to a source, while the two sides felt it was a match, the money wasn't right at first. That was ironed out Monday.
If Soliai is productive in his new home, it would be more than just another bargain buy for general manager Dave Gettleman.
Because the Falcons felt Soliai wasn't a fit in head coach Dan Quinn's system, they released him last week. But they still owe a $4.2 million cap charge for him over the next two seasons. So even if Soliai earns the full potential of his Panthers' contract, that cap hit will be just $2.8 million more than what the Falcons are facing for a guy who's now with a division rival.
In terms of weight, Soliai slides into the top spot on Carolina's roster, five pounds heavier than 6-foot-4, 340-pound guard Chris Scott. And Soliai becomes the biggest Panthers' defender by far, bypassing defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, who's 25 pounds lighter and two inches shorter than his fellow former Utah Ute.
At 32, Soliai will be the third-oldest player on the roster, just a few months younger than quarterback Derek Anderson and linebacker Thomas Davis.
Soliai spent his first seven season with the Dolphins until the Falcons lured him away with a five-year, $32-million deal on the opening day of free agency two years ago. He lost playing time when Quinn installed his attacking 4-3 defense, but the Panthers obviously feel he can help theirs.
They entered this wave of free agency targeting a big, run-stuffing defensive tackle who could back up Lotulelei, and that's what they're getting with Soliai.